ChatterBank1 min ago
fire insurance claim
4 Answers
Last Saturday night my neighbour had a fire in his back garden which spread into our garden and damaged goods (ladders ,bbq. etc)
Unfortunately my contents insurance had expired while I was on holiday and i had an appointment with my bank for Tuesday to get a comprehensive contents,car and life insurance package, this being the first chance I had to arrange this.
My neighbours insurers will not accept a claim from me .
How can I get compensation for the loss?
Unfortunately my contents insurance had expired while I was on holiday and i had an appointment with my bank for Tuesday to get a comprehensive contents,car and life insurance package, this being the first chance I had to arrange this.
My neighbours insurers will not accept a claim from me .
How can I get compensation for the loss?
Answers
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It's been a while since I worked in insurance but I would have thought that you could claim off the neighbour's public liability insurance (part of their household policy), since it was his negligence that led to the fire spreading to your effects. You are right that he can't claim for your stuff on his contents policy, but a third party liability claim, arising from a negligent act, is a different matter.
Step 1: Obtain an EXACT figure for the cost of replacements, with documentary proof. (That might be in the form of formal written quotations or it could simply be by, for example, getting hold of the Argos catalogue).
Step 2: Write to your neighbour, demanding the full amount as compensation for his negligence. As you may need to show a copy of the letter to a court, it's extremely important that you ensure that your letter is dated and that it clearly shows both your name and address and that of your neighbour. (Also, even though you could simply hand your letter to your neighbour over the fence, you should send it to him by recorded delivery, and keep the proof of posting). The letter should clearly indicate that, if payment is not received within a defined period of time (I suggest 21 days), you will commence legal proceedings.
Step 4 (if necessary): Commence a legal claim against your neighbour, using the online system provided by Her Majesty's Courts Service:
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome
Chris
Step 2: Write to your neighbour, demanding the full amount as compensation for his negligence. As you may need to show a copy of the letter to a court, it's extremely important that you ensure that your letter is dated and that it clearly shows both your name and address and that of your neighbour. (Also, even though you could simply hand your letter to your neighbour over the fence, you should send it to him by recorded delivery, and keep the proof of posting). The letter should clearly indicate that, if payment is not received within a defined period of time (I suggest 21 days), you will commence legal proceedings.
Step 4 (if necessary): Commence a legal claim against your neighbour, using the online system provided by Her Majesty's Courts Service:
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome
Chris
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