Underground drains & pipes: Professional claim assistance

Accidental damage can occur to underground drains, sewers, services, cables and pipes in several ways including typically by differential movement of the subsoil, intrusion and breakage by tree roots, or by external means such as during unrelated excavation works. This type of damage may happen to drains whether they serve a domestic or commercial premises and the damage is normally covered by most comprehensive building policies.

Notwithstanding the above insurers may often suggest that the damage to the underground drains is due to gradual deterioration not covered by the policy. For this reason, if a policyholder suspects that damage has been caused to underground drains, pipes, cables or services appertaining to their property it is important that they engage their own Public loss assessor as soon as possible to provide help and guidance with the claim. Premier Property Claims have the specialist knowledge to deal with damaged drain claims for the policyholder.

It is also important to note that underground pipes can service several properties and the matter of apportioning liability between respective owners and consumers needs careful attention. It is not common knowledge that dependent upon the age of sewerage pipes, and who has the benefit of their use, liability for repairs can rest with local authorities or other suppliers and not the property owners. Premier Property Claims have the knowledge to direct a claim for underground drain or pipe claim to the relevant parties.

Premier Property Claims Loss Assessors will arrange a thorough investigation into the cause of any damage to underground drains including CCTV surveys when appropriate and with our expert representation we will ensure all legitimate claims are paid. We assist all our clients by preparing a schedule of the loss, engaging specialist drainage contractors, and by negotiating settlement with insurers or their loss adjusters on your behalf. We will guide you in obtaining appropriate replacement /repair estimates where necessary.

Your insurance company is likely to appoint a Loss Adjuster or claims handler to deal with your claim but this is to protect their own interests. These representatives operate under heavy workloads and your claim may not be given the focus it deserves. Adjusters and Insurance Claims Inspectors do not prepare your claim, they adjust the claim you submit. Other expenses may be recoverable of which you are unaware. If you prematurely agree a claim with insurers it may be too late for them to subsequently reconsider additional items.

Insurance policy wordings can be difficult for a policyholder to understand. An insurer or their representative have the advantage and will often attempt to construe the wording in their favour. Premier Property Claims understand policy wordings and have the expert knowledge and subsidence claims handling experience to redress the balance and ensure that the policyholders claim is given the fullest and fairest consideration by insurers that it deserves.

It is therefore essential that you are suitably (FCA Regulated) represented by your own professional Loss Assessor as soon as drainage issues become evident / discovered to ensure the claim is properly and accurately presented and you receive the maximum benefit under the policy.