Insurance Claims

For instance, if you have a 20mm engineered wood floor, your claim must reflect that specification rather than opting for a standard 15mm floor, which is typically a cheaper alternative. This principle applies similarly to aspects such as fitting and underlay. Insurers may attempt to push for a floated installation method, as it tends to be more economical; however, this is not the recommended professional approach for installing wooden floors.

Understanding Insurers’ Approaches

It is important to recognize that insurance companies often promote their own contractors to minimize costs. Unfortunately, these general contractors may lack the specialized knowledge required for wood flooring installations. This can lead to crucial components—such as proper subfloor preparation and the installation of damp proof membranes—being overlooked.

Such oversights can result in significant issues later on, particularly concerning dampness. As it is your home you have the right to choose the contractor you want. Most insurers will push heavily for the use of their contractors due to cost saving implications for them, but check your insurance documents thoroughly as we are yet to see a policy that makes such a stipulation in writing that theirs must be used. 

Caution on Settlements

We generally advise our customers to approach settlement offers with caution, especially if the subfloor has not been thoroughly assessed. Once a settlement is agreed upon, any subsequent issues that arise—such as unforeseen damages or inadequate preparations—may not be covered under the insurance claim, leaving customers to cover additional costs out of pocket.

Advocacy for Your Rights

The key to successful flooring insurance claims is understanding your entitlements and being prepared to advocate for them when necessary. We are here to assist you in this process. Our team is happy to prepare detailed reports and liaise with insurers on your behalf to support your claim. 

Please note that report writing and communication with insurance companies require time and resources, which will incur a fee. However, this fee will be deducted from your final invoice, ensuring that neither party bears unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

At Kent Wood Flooring, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the full benefits you deserve from your flooring insurance claims. If you need assistance navigating the claims process or have any queries about your entitlements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you every step of the way.