Possible insurance claim....is this my fault?

[Phil]

18 months ago I did some tiling work to a shower enclosure which has now developed a leak from the built in shower that I didn't fit or touch. The leak is in the stud wall and can only be seen dripping when taps are used/toilets flushed which I can only assume is due to the pressure drop and a worn spindle in the shower.

Customers are on my side and agree I didn't touch any plumbing in the shower and that it wasn't leaking while I was doing the work, but are wanting to put it through their home insurance. Their loss adjuster hinted they want to claim off my insurance but how can I be held responsable for wear and tear on an existing shower I tiled round 18 months ago when everything was bone dry when I finished.

I was there tonight and spoke to their home insurance guy and he told me not to touch or cap off the pipes to the shower even though the floor was soaked underneath.

Do I have anything to worry about?, I've never had to use my insurance.

Any tips on what to say or what not to say?

 

[julesverne]

If you havent touched i fail to see how you can be responsible for it.

 

[Ray Stafford]

The trouble is, your insurer may decide to settle on the grounds that its not worth fighting, and then shove your premium up to recover it. It happens on "knock-for-knock" car insurance all the time.

 

[Phil]

What if I refuse to give them my details? If it came to it I'd rather just sort it myself (max two days work) with them buying new shower but in doing that am I admitting responsibility?

 

[julesverne]

The trouble is, your insurer may decide to settle on the grounds that its not worth fighting, and then shove your premium up to recover it. It happens on "knock-for-knock" car insurance all the time.

That just aint cricket

 

[julesverne]

If they do try to do this make a complaint to the FCA. Process i believe is you initially have to complain to your insurer if an agreement cannot be reached within 40 days then it will be referred to the FCA who will investigate and give a decision which is binding on the insurer/s.

 

[Best]

Customer agreed it was existing work & you hadn't touched it, so not your fault. It's with their house insurance.
I wonder perhaps you should contact your insurance & warn them NOT to pay out as the customers insurance company were trying to commit a fraud by recommending that an old shower valve fitted years ago by somebody else should be claimed of them because you did a tiling job long ago & are insured with them.
To me, it sounds like simple fraud & therefore illegal & I would challenge anyone who try's it on.

 

[julesverne]

This link will help further. But its 8 weeks not 40 days. But i have used this process in the past over a pet insurance claim and they settled before it came to the end of time. I do believe it is their interests to settle as it doesnt look good on their stats.

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm

 

[Phil]

I think their loss adjuster has just seen a leak under a newly fitted enclosure and pointed the blame at me. I don't know what process happens next that proves its the existing shower thats not an intermitent leak.

Everythings still in early stages.

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

The best way to deal with it is to meet the insurance adviser (there's) on site first thing Monday morning, have a look together at the damage and shower valve and see what he says.....if he try's to pass the blame over to you I suggest you head butt him and whilst his momentary stunned give him the left hook right jab then calmly ask again what he thinks!! Idiot people!

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Swines

 

[SimonG]

Tell them to feck off. Something leaks that you didnt install and they want to claim on your insurance. At 18 months they have no chance of claiming on anything other than their own insurance.

 

[Chalked]

Do not contact your insurer until it's proved to be your fault.!

 

[Phil]

Thanks guys, I'll keep you updated.