You are a personal lines claims handler for BHR plc, an insurer. A policyholder, Greg, reports a household damage claim resulting from flooding in…

You are a personal lines claims handler for BHR plc, an insurer. A policyholder, Greg, reports a household damage claim resulting from flooding in his upstairs bathroom. Greg hired an emergency plumber to stop the flood. The plumber, a plasterer and other relevant trade persons were subsequently engaged to make permanent repairs of the damage. The plumber discovered that the flooding was caused by the wear and tear of a water pipe. The flood caused extensive damage to the bathroom floor and the ceiling of the dining room that is directly below the bathroom. To repair the water pipe, the bath needed to be removed to gain access. Greg paid the emergency plumber in cash to stop the flood and did not obtain a receipt/invoice. Additionally, the plasterer who repaired the dining room ceiling was paid by electronic transfer to the plasterer’s personal bank account. All other repairs and replacements were paid by Greg, by cheque, on receipt of invoices. Greg would like you to confirm that BHR plc will reimburse him for the costs of the emergency plumber, as well as cover the costs to fully repair all the resultant damage caused by the flooding. Wear and tear is an excluded peril in BHR plc’s household insurance policy.

(a) Describe, with justification, the extent of cover the policy would likely provide for the emergency repair to stop the flood. Refer to one relevant case in support of your description. (6)

(b) Explain, with justification, the extent of cover the policy could provide for the damage resulting from the original cause of the flood. Refer to one relevant case in support of your explanation. (10)

(c) Identify, with justification, the information you would require from Greg to allow you to authorise settlement of the claim.

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