Experience of Financial Ombudsman/insurance compensation?

[Sue]

Two hideous years on from the start of an insurance claim which is still ongoing, I have referred two complaints to the F.O.S. and they are being considered together as there is a lot of overlap. The claim is for subsidence in the bay at the front of my house.

The amount of compensation in both cases I was offered by the insurance company (Zurich) was derisory, but the F.O.S. has so far said they think it is fair, even though it was apparently solely for specific delays and for lack of acknowledgment of emails.

I summarised why I thought it wasn't, and now the F.O.S. have asked me "how much I think would be acceptable in the circumstances".

There were avoidable errors, delays and lack of communication throughout, however the main issue is that building and redecoration work which I was initially told would take three days, then "six weeks of major disruption", ended up being five months of major disruption. This all stemmed from errors made in the initial survey, followed by other errors and what have been described to me by various contractors as poor decisions.

During these five months, the main part of my house was unusable, and I had to either sit on a hard chair in my kitchen or go to bed. Neither room gets any sun in the afternoon. Most of the period was spring/summer, and I was nearly seventy. My back garden was also unusable and I couldn't even sit in it. There were a number of other related issues.

I ended up with severe stress, plus debilitating physical illnesses which were apparently caused or worsened by the stress, one of which is ongoing and chronic. I took steps to deal with the stress as best I could.

Clearly I am never going to get these five months of my life back, so it is rather hard to put a monetary figure on it. However I would like a fair amount of compensation taking into account the cumulative effect on my life. On the other hand I don't want them to think I am taking the p***.

I've also had to spend weeks (literally weeks) putting together the two complaints and then the case for the F.O.S., because for various reasons the whole thing became extremely complicated.

If you have any insurance experience or experience of the F.O.S., I'd be really grateful for advice on a ballpark figure I should be asking for, and also whether I should aim high on the basis that they will then negotiate down (I have no idea how these things work).

A PM would be great if you'd rather not post on the thread. Thanks!

[Sue]

Nobody?

Any general advice if you don't want to put a figure on it?

Having looked at some past cases on the FOS website, I can't say I'm hopeful of getting a reasonable amount of compensation 😢

[Jules-and-Boo]

Hi Sue, I know it's not the same body, but the Legal Ombudsman have a guide for compensation and the level of inconvenience.

It may be worth seeing if the FO do as well?

I'll see if I can find the one I'm referring to and will same end you the link.

Are there solicitors specialising in this you could call and get some advice? Or the Citizens Advice Bureau?

[Sue]

Jules-and-Boo Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hi Sue, I know it's not the same body, but the

> Legal Ombudsman have a guide for compensation and

> the level of inconvenience.

>

> It may be worth seeing if the FO do as well?

> I'll see if I can find the one I'm referring to

> and will same end you the link.

Thanks, yes they do, but looking at their cases it seems that my idea of level of inconvenience is not theirs!!!

I will try the C.A.B., thanks.

I wondered about speaking to my broker, who actually advised me to make the first complaint, however I'm not sure exactly what their connection is to the insurance company.

I don't want to pay a solicitor because I think it might end up costing me most of the compensation!

>

> Are there solicitors specialising in this you

> could call and get some advice? Or the Citizens

> Advice Bureau?

Oops sorry I seem to have jumbled up your post in my reply.

[Jules-and-Boo]

I don't mean paying a solicitor, I mean calling them and having a chat (some do initial free consultation) and seeing if you have a case.

Definitely speak to your broker - especially if they've made reference to it already.

Brokers are independent of insurance companies.

You need to get more info....

[Sue]

Thanks Jules-and-Boo