How should I proceed to claim for damage done to my Skoda Octavia after my friend's tree fell on it?
I would be extremely grateful for some advice on how to deal with an insurance claim for our car. Our Skoda Octavia Estate was parked on our friend's drive during a social visit yesterday when a tree fell on the car from the rear. Damage was sustained to the tailgate, roof, nearside doors and bonnet. Our friends are obviously contacting their house insurers today and I contacted our broker who gave me the number of a claims management company.
In view of some of the horror stories about such companies in your column, I was wondering if you could possibly give me some pointers as to how to avoid the potential pitfalls of dealing with these people. When I rang our broker, she concerned me by saying that what would probably happen is that our insurance company would most likely pay for restoration and then claim negligence from our friends' company. It doesn't sound very pleasant and I can see it possibly being a long drawn out experience. Obviously our friends are devastated, despite me saying that these things happen and thank goodness nobody was injured, but I would appreciate your advice on how to proceed with the minimum of worry for both us and our friends.
In view of some of the horror stories about such companies in your column, I was wondering if you could possibly give me some pointers as to how to avoid the potential pitfalls of dealing with these people. When I rang our broker, she concerned me by saying that what would probably happen is that our insurance company would most likely pay for restoration and then claim negligence from our friends' company. It doesn't sound very pleasant and I can see it possibly being a long drawn out experience. Obviously our friends are devastated, despite me saying that these things happen and thank goodness nobody was injured, but I would appreciate your advice on how to proceed with the minimum of worry for both us and our friends.
Asked on 14 January 2012 by AD, via email
Answered by
Honest John
As long as the tree was properly maintained, your friend's insurers may invoke the 'act of god' defence, which will mean that the entire claim will be against your insurer. Do not get involved with any outside brokers or claims management outfits. Inform your insurer and involve only your insurer. Your broker will be on commission to put you onto the claims management outfit. Do not take the offer of a 'like for like' hire car or you may eventually find yourself liable for the inflated cost of the hire of it.
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