Chimney Sweeping

[Mr. P]

Several questions...

Anyone experience of insurers not paying out after a chimney fire?

Having not used a 'professional' sweep and, done it yourself, how do you prove to insurer you were/are competent?

Having used a 'competent' sweep, how do you know (even if they give a bit of paper)they are competent?

Thanks guys.

[nearlythere]

You should find info on this matter with NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps).

I researched this early last year and there is guidance available. Let me know if you can't turn it up.

Have not had or heard of any issues with insurance companys but I suppose there could be mention in the small print section of the policy of using competent persons for maintenance etc and I suppose it would depend on the size of the claim.

If you did it yourself and you pushed the brush out of the pot too far that it was sucked into an engine of a passing 757 and caused it to crash into a cruise liner I would think the insurance company would pass the claim over to the "Find a Way Out of This Department". There the small print would be examined at length and a get out clause found.

What is a competent person? Training, knowledge, experience other skills etc etc

[nearlythere]

This from their website:-

http://www.nacs.org.uk/second-news-item/

[Mr. P]

Cheers NT