Increase in rogue drainage repair companies is leaving property claimants with major uninsured costs

DASA is a national provider of drainage repair and leak detection services to the insurance industry. We work with some of the country’s leading insurance brands and their providers.

Over the past 18 months, we have become more aware of the existence of rogue traders who are carrying out unethical drainage repairs for a range of customers including those who are most vulnerable.

There have been several instances where customers have experienced a drainage issue or leak at their property and, regrettably, instead of calling their insurer directly they have approached a particular company who claim to be a drainage specialist.

These companies are carrying out work and are specifically advising customers that they should not contact their insurer until completion, as that will ensure a full settlement of all costs incurred: a statement which is untrue!

The rates that these companies are charging are, in many cases over 750% inflated above industry levels. Insurance companies will of course pay fair and true costs, however this exploitation of the customer by certain outfits has resulted in several policy holders losing thousands of pounds.

One particular customer was charged over £5,000 for a day’s work which should have equated to barely 10% of that cost.

Our customer care advisors are having to explain to policy holders – many of whom are vulnerable, including the elderly and infirm – that the work carried out by these companies are in many cases not solving the issue they had and, in addition to them not recouping the thousands of pounds they have already spent, they now need additional work to take place in order to correct the poor work which has been done.

We have reported the issues to local councils and Trading Standards offices where possible and are currently assisting with a number of instances of legal action being brought against the culprits.

There are some fantastic drainage repair companies in the marketplace and unfortunately these rogue traders are ruining their reputation. Luckily there are only a handful of them around, but customers need to be aware. If in doubt always contact your insurance company in the first instance!

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