Building insurance excess

[kanzen]

Can anyone clarify how it works when submitting a claim to insurance, for example a burst pipe, and paying the excess if the amount for the work done is lower?

The pipe burst just less than 4 months ago. They screwed the existing ceiling back with some extra screws and painted over the crack. Had to get the company to come back a few days later because cracks were reappearing in the ceiling after the initial repair. Now the pipes have burst again and I feel as though the excess is now adding up to multiples of the cost to repair (R3k x2).

Your constructive feedback would greatly appreciated.

 

[Lupus]

Technically the company who did the work should have some kind of guarantee

 

[kanzen]

Technically the company who did the work should have some kind of guarantee

Was thinking the same thing, they were pretty useless though so if they do the repair this time I will kick up a fuss. Either way the insurance company needs to know

 

[Lupus]

Was thinking the same thing, they were pretty useless though so if they do the repair this time I will kick up a fuss. Either way the insurance company needs to know

Yes the insurance shouldn't be charging you for the excess as the job hasn't been sorted.

 

[kanzen]

Yes the insurance shouldn't be charging you for the excess as the job hasn't been sorted.

I was told by the insurer to pay the excess directly to the company so 4 months later it's already been paid unfortunately. They were supposed to fix the issue this afternoon but it seems like all is forgotten. I'll have to phone the insurer tomorrow and remind them that they haven't paid a cent even though my premiums have covered the cost multiple times over...time to look for one with a lesser excess. Any recommendations?

 

[Lupus]

I was told by the insurer to pay the excess directly to the company so 4 months later it's already been paid unfortunately. They were supposed to fix the issue this afternoon but it seems like all is forgotten. I'll have to phone the insurer tomorrow and remind them that they haven't paid a cent even though my premiums have covered the cost multiple times over...time to look for one with a lesser excess. Any recommendations?

Sadly they can all be annoying but you could try going through a brokerage?

 

[kanzen]

Sadly they can all be annoying but you could try going through a brokerage?

Sounds like the best option. Guess I settled with them when I bought the place and didn't take the time to find a better alternative. Thanks for the advice @Lupus

 

[Lupus]

Hope you come right

 

[SauRoNZA]

Your excess is mental.

Mine is R500 for all things building.

 

[Hemi300c]

1) Get and work through a reputable broker
2) Never take a banks or financing companies insurance, its k@k insurance.
3) If it's the same pipe in the repaired area them the insurer must sort it out with no additional excess.

 

[Kosmik]

1) Get and work through a reputable broker
2) Never take a banks or financing companies insurance, its k@k insurance.
3) If it's the same pipe in the repaired area them the insurer must sort it out with no additional excess.

Point 3. Had it before, you can even get a valid assessment from another and have the insurance company vet and approve with no cost to you. They will get it back from the bad contractor.

 

[kanzen]

Your excess is mental.

Mine is R500 for all things building.

Now that sounds like a reasonable amount for excess.