From faulty freezers to misfiring smart meters, we got it sorted in 2019
There have been complaints about sky-high power bills, faulty appliances, bad workmanship, nightmare holidays…and even cold-calling funeral plan firms. In 2019, every week the Raw Deal mailbag bulged with requests for help from stressed-out readers. Here we look back at the occasions when we stepped in to take on companies, institutions and traders to put things right…
Tracy and Allan Fraser are celebrating a comfortable festive season in their revamped home after Raw Deal helped secure them a £16,000 insurance payout following a blaze.
In September 2018, fire wrecked the utility room and damaged an en suite bathroom at the couple’s bungalow in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. It left them without heating or hot water for four months.
School dinner lady Tracy, 51, said she was lucky to spot the flames as she left the house to go to work, or things could have been far worse.
An electrical fault with her washing machine had started the blaze, which had begun to spread to the roof.
The couple swiftly informed their insurers Churchill but lengthy delays in getting repairs under way ensued after visits from independent assessors.
The first valuer who came out reckoned it would only cost about £3,000 to fix the damage.
In frustration, the Frasers turned to Raw Deal for help and we asked Churchill to carry out an investigation.
The insurers soon increased the amount to more than £16,000.
As a result, the Frasers have now had the damage repaired and the house has been refurbished.
“Last Christmas was a disaster because of all the mess,” said Tracy. “It took months for the work to be finished but now the house looks a treat.
“Thanks to Raw Deal, this time we have been able to enjoy a happy festive season with the family.”