Andy Hall wrote:
On 2006-10-27 18:19:03 +0100, Stuart Noble
said:

Christian McArdle wrote:
If this were true,

It is.

they wouldn't have to settle any claims on older properties
which, by definition, are all suffering from gradually
operating causes

Nonsense.

You can't claim for gradually operating causes, which is effectively
code for "wear and tear", like needing to repaint windows due to
weathering, or needing to renew pointing.

You can claim for non-gradually operating causes, like subsidence, a
tree smashing into the bedroom, a lorry in the lounge, storm damage
or flooding.

Christian.




But storms damage older properties more easily. Slates blow off
because the fixings have gone. Chimneys blow down because they're not
as strong as a modern house. In other words, the root cause is
gradual. I've no doubt the insurance would pay up if his chimney fell
through the roof even though, with hindsight, you could say it was due
to neglect.

This is why they use one of the lowest life forms of all, the loss
adjuster.

If you get one of those knocking on your door, you need to employ a
rotweiler of your own. No different from solicitors really

The principle is that there should not be any betterment of a
pre-existing condition.

which is fair enough. Fortunately they don't seem to get involved in
smaller claims (under £5K), most of which are settled without argument.