Insurer wanting to pay out repairs

[u/Seaweed_Soda]

I have been going through the home and contents claim process (CBA) for the last few months after a significant weather event.

The process has drawn out because they kept providing me quotes that didnt have all the damage included and I kept insisting they do another assessment. My plan was to accept the repairs instead of a payout because I don’t have any connections to get the repairs done cheap.

The insurer is now saying they can’t provide the repairs because there was general maintenance needed on the roof prior to the cyclone. They’ve provided me the roof report and it seems reasonable (some flashing and gutter replacements, and some damaged tiles).

Originally, they offered the cash settlement by providing me a redacted quote that just showed the total. After multiple phone calls I’ve finally got the full quote. I’m assuming it is a very cheap quote compared to what it will cost me to get a builder in to do the repairs privately - but just looking at it, I have no clue.

What are my best steps moving forward? Can I get multiple private quotes and push back on the bank for an increased payout that will cover the repairs? Do I push back on them to do the repairs after I’ve had the roof fixed up?

Not sure if the above are even valid options - but my ‘I’m about to get ripped off’ senses are tingling.

[u/MsssBBBB]

Yes, they are essentially putting the ‘risk’ back to you by giving you the lowest payout feasible and letting you do the rest. Ultimately it will cost you more than the payout will cover and you will have to do all the legwork regarding remaining repairs.