I have investigated an issue, engaged an engineer, commissioned an engineers report - together with invasive testing/investigation works.
The upshot of all of that was that the insurer (structural insurance on a residential property as opposed to 'home' insurance) accepted liability. Matters have since proceeded to a point where the insurer has proposed repairs. Agreement on the terms of same have stalled. The insurer is insisting upon the involvement of an engineer from my end. However, they maintain that they are not obliged to cover my expenses in this regard.
My contention is that I have proven my claim - they have accepted liability - so we are no longer in the claim investigation or preparation phase. The contract/policy document states that the insurer covers engineering consultancy and other fees reasonably incurred ...."but shall not include costs or fees incurred by the Policyholder in investigating and/or preparing a claim".
Is it reasonable to insist that the insurer picks up the tab for any such expenses that are related to reparation works from this point forward? I accept that I will remain out of pocket for fees incurred in the initial preparation/investigation of my claim - but I contest any suggestion that I am obliged to cover costs that involve technical discussion of repairs suggested as a result of their liability.
The upshot of all of that was that the insurer (structural insurance on a residential property as opposed to 'home' insurance) accepted liability. Matters have since proceeded to a point where the insurer has proposed repairs. Agreement on the terms of same have stalled. The insurer is insisting upon the involvement of an engineer from my end. However, they maintain that they are not obliged to cover my expenses in this regard.
My contention is that I have proven my claim - they have accepted liability - so we are no longer in the claim investigation or preparation phase. The contract/policy document states that the insurer covers engineering consultancy and other fees reasonably incurred ...."but shall not include costs or fees incurred by the Policyholder in investigating and/or preparing a claim".
Is it reasonable to insist that the insurer picks up the tab for any such expenses that are related to reparation works from this point forward? I accept that I will remain out of pocket for fees incurred in the initial preparation/investigation of my claim - but I contest any suggestion that I am obliged to cover costs that involve technical discussion of repairs suggested as a result of their liability.