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Jiarzinho

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I submitted a claim for House subsidence. The drains test failed. The drains are to the side of the property. There are cracks consist with subsidence eminating from the windows, which are on the opposite side of the property to the drains. These cracks are internal.
The insurance company claim the cracks were not caused by water from the failed drains and as that the drains have proved to leak they should replaced. The house inspected 6 months later to see if the cracks opened further.
What is the best course of direction? Can I challenge the insurance compay?
I will find it difficult to replace the drains. If I don't replace the drains, will I get insurance for subsidence?
 
The onus is upon you to demonstrate to insurers that the damage to your property is due to the operation of an insured peril. It would seem from your post that insurers are not satisfied that leaking water from the drains has caused the cracking. It is normal in a claim like this that Insurers would use a consultant engineer to advise them as to the cause of the cracking to your home.If the cracks have not opened further and the pipes have not been repaired, then this may suggest that the two are not related.

Of course you can challenge Insurers view. However, you must present evidence that the leak has caused damage to your home. Did you get an engineer to advise you? If not, i would suggest that this would be the prudent thing to do. Be mindful that the cost of the engineer may not be recoverable.

You have a duty under the terms of your policy to maintain your property. As you are aware that the pipes are leaking, you must repair these and if you fail to do this, then in the event that any damage does arise from these leaking pipes, the resultant claim may be declined by insurers on the basis that you are in breach of the policy conditions. If you transfer cover to another insurer, you must also advise them that you have leaking underground pipes that have not been repaired.
 
did you put in a claim for SUBSIDENCE or for damage caused by BURST PIPES? There can be a difference.
 
Jiarzinho said:
I submitted a claim for House subsidence. The drains test failed. The drains are to the side of the property. There are cracks consist with subsidence eminating from the windows, which are on the opposite side of the property to the drains. These cracks are internal.
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I agree Claimsman and add the following;

It is normal enough to find minor settlement cracks in the outside walls extending from the corners of opes in older properties.
These can sometimes be filled or pointed with mortar to match the existing [lime mortar in older houses] and this stops them admitting water.
The insurance company claim the cracks were not caused by water from the failed drains and as that the drains have proved to leak they should replaced.
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I fail to see what you think is wrong with their assessment.
You say the cracks are on the opposite side of the building from the drains and that they are internal.
Why did the insurance company investigate the drains which are located on the side of the building farthest from the cracks?
Settlement cracks are usually evident on the outside and you would expect them to occur on the same side as the drains which you suggest may be the proximate cause - not the opposite side.
The house inspected 6 months later to see if the cracks opened further.
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And what was the result of the inspection - did they open further or not?
What is the best course of direction? Can I challenge the insurance compay?
I will find it difficult to replace the drains. If I don't replace the drains, will I get insurance for subsidence?
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Okay, here are a few questions:
Who is advising you in relation to this?
Have you not retained your own building professional to advise you before making the claim?
If you have already retained a professional then all your queries should be directed to the person you have retained.
If not I think this is a job for an architect who specialises in older properties and/or an engineer who competent to deal with drains and structure.


ONQ.
 
I got a claims management company to advise me, not a engineer. I will get advise from an engineer.
 
I got a company to investigate all the underground drainpipes,which are all to the one side of the property. The house is 3 bed semi-detached. They furnished me with a report. The report was submitted to the Loss adjustor who came to the property to investigate the subsidence claim. Apparently ths is standard proceedure for submitting a a claim of this nature. Again I will take your advise and consult and engineer.
Thanks to all contributors
Jiarzinho
 
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