Step 1: Notify Your Insurer Immediately
The first step after any insured event that damages your kitchen is to notify your insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays can complicate your claim. When you call, make it clear that your kitchen is unusable and that you require temporary facilities.
Ask your insurer to confirm whether your policy includes Alternative Accommodation cover -- this is the section of your policy that covers the cost of temporary living arrangements when your home is uninhabitable or when essential facilities are unavailable.
Step 2: Ask for a Loss Adjuster to Be Appointed
For significant claims -- particularly those involving fire, flood, or major water damage -- your insurer will typically appoint a loss adjuster to manage the claim on their behalf. The loss adjuster is responsible for assessing the damage, agreeing the scope of reinstatement works, and authorising expenditure including alternative accommodation.
If a loss adjuster has not been appointed, ask your insurer whether one will be. For smaller claims, the insurer may manage the claim directly without a loss adjuster.
Step 3: Request a Temporary Kitchen Pod Specifically
This is the key step that many policyholders miss. Rather than simply asking for "alternative accommodation" -- which your insurer may interpret as hotel accommodation -- specifically request a temporary kitchen pod. Explain that you wish to remain in your home during the reinstatement works, and that a temporary kitchen pod would allow you to do so.
The benefits of this approach are significant: you stay in your own home, your property remains accessible to contractors, and the total cost to your insurer is typically lower than hotel accommodation over a multi-week period.
Step 4: Ask Your Insurer or Loss Adjuster to Contact FlexiPod
Once your insurer or loss adjuster has agreed in principle to a temporary kitchen pod, ask them to contact FlexiPod Solutions directly. We're experienced in working within the insurance claims process and can provide:
- A formal quote in the format required by your insurer
- Confirmation of availability and deployment timeline
- All necessary documentation for the claim file
- Direct invoicing to the insurer where authorised
Alternatively, you can contact us directly and we'll reach out to your loss adjuster on your behalf. Our contact details are at the bottom of this page.
Step 5: Confirm the Hire Period
The hire period for your temporary kitchen pod should align with the expected duration of the reinstatement works. Your loss adjuster will typically confirm the expected timeline based on the scope of works agreed with the contractor.
It's worth building in some flexibility -- renovation projects frequently overrun, and extending a pod hire is straightforward. We work with insurers and loss adjusters to extend hire periods when needed, without additional administration burden.
What If My Insurer Refuses?
If your insurer declines to cover the cost of a temporary kitchen pod, you have several options:
- Request a review: Ask your insurer to confirm in writing why the pod is not covered under your Alternative Accommodation provision. Sometimes a clear explanation of the cost comparison (pod vs hotel) is enough to change the decision.
- Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman: If you believe your insurer is unreasonably refusing to cover a legitimate cost, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Hire privately: If your insurer won't cover the cost, you can still hire a pod privately. Our rates are competitive and often significantly less expensive than hotel accommodation over a multi-week period.
Summary
The key points to remember when requesting a temporary kitchen pod through your insurance claim are:
- Notify your insurer promptly and confirm your Alternative Accommodation cover
- Specifically request a temporary kitchen pod -- not just "alternative accommodation"
- Ask your insurer or loss adjuster to contact FlexiPod Solutions directly
- Confirm the hire period and build in flexibility for potential overruns
If you have any questions about the process, call us on 07474 703743 and we'll be happy to guide you through it.