pay or do not pay, that's the question..

[certified tech group 51]

Got a call from a customer that said his refrigerator leaked water and ruined his flooring....He said that he called because when his insurance company's adjuster looked at it and asked if the home owner did the work....the home owner said some one else did it ( Me )..... So his home insurance will not pay, so he wants my insurance to pay for the repairs..... .I asked where was it leaking from and he said " At the supply line connection at the shut off valve behind the refer".....I have the original work order in my hand and I only replaced a defrost heater and the water chiller .................. I said that I did not do the refer's water supply line...........He said that I had given him the part for free and I installed it for free......... ( I do Parts for whole sale OR free labor, But not both )........He said he does not want to cause any problems, being a small town and all and if I would pay at least half of the repair............The date on the work order was from 22 month ago......The question is "Pay to keep customer happy" and not bad mouthing you... ...OR......"Not pay" and see what hits the fan.... The refer is not in an alcove , one side is visible from the living room....... But 22 months ??? ....................Doesn't any one pull out their refers to clean behind at least once a year ???................If you touched it last, it must be your fault............

[jumptrout]

Turn it over to your insurance agent.

They will argue with the other insurance company on your behalf.

[RegUS_PatOff]

Have you ever done any other service calls for him ?

I wouldn't pay .

He's could be trying to scam everyone that worked on his Fridge and trying to "milk" (no pun intended) everyone and all.

This may be his "MO" (modus operandi) and does this a lot with all appliances and vehicles, etc.

In certain states, you can view court records of suing and other stuff, although he probably never goes to court,

and / or never goes through his insurance company.

All cash transactions from multiple "victims" of the same "damage"

Get the name and phone number of his insurance company and explain it to them.

[tommytech]

^{no way would i pay, waaay too much time has passed}

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

I think Brother jumptrout has the best idea. That's why we have insurance! And if your insurance calls BS on him, you can just say, "Solly Chollie, my insurance won't pay. My hands are tied and my wallet is sealed."

[kdog]

IXNE on the EqueChe ! after 2 years the guys plumbing breaks! probably just an unsecured valve hanging on the end of a piece of tubing anyway - none of us like to get faced with these little "shouldda kept an eye on things" scenario's, but folks are always trying to pull this kinda stuff. The homeowner is responsible to provide functional utilities not us !!

[NCARepair]

I would not pay a dime. I would tell him i am not responsible for normal inspection and maintenance of my customers home. That is their responsibility as a homeowner.

My experience with insurance companies regarding water damage is it has to be a "sudden and unexpected event" for them to cover it. Any slow leaks causing damage falls on the homeowner to be watching after their property. Let your good work speak for itself in your town. I am sure you are not the only person in your small town he has tried to scam.

[DeathStalker]

Either you DID mess with the line or you didn't. Only you know. If you DID then maybe you are culpable. If you DIDN'T then you aren't and the customer can go screw himself.

How much damage are we talking about? How could it be SO extensive that he never noticed a problem until it was so large that he got his home owners involved? This whole situation stinks to me and I have a damn good nose.

But as jumptrout said and the the Guru here echoed, let your insurance company handle it. An insurance companies jpob is to screw someone, anyone out of cash so they don't have to pay. His is tryng that option. You pay YOUR insurance company to protect YOUR interests. They protect yours by protecting theirs.............

[certified tech group 51]

Yup, I stopped by my insurance agent and informed them of the situation....The agent will call the insurance company and ask a couple of " What if " questions.........If I remember, ( alota calls and 22 months under the belt) I replaced the chiller using 'Q.D.' couplers from the inside..........Do not recall if I did replace the water supply line... He said I did the part and labor for free, that is why it is not on the Work Order.. ...................Do I gotta take pictures of every repair now??...I have taken pictures of some ' before and after' shots........Gotta love 1000 picture capability on the card.......

[jumptrout]

If you don't rememeber "say you don't remember".

DO NOT SAY.............I might have........... I don't think so.......maybe...etc.