My flat or his?

[ChrisH]

This is not strictly a DIY question (or not at all?) but I really need some guidance and I think you guys will know the answer.

there was a leak above our bathroom (we found water dripping through the light socket). It was discovered that this was from a leaking pipe below the bathroom of the neighbours above. this was fixed by a plumber by entering the flat above and going below the floorboards.

it has been suggested that we need to claim through our building insurance. can this be correct? This seeems very odd to me. i had expected our neighbour would have claimed through their insurance?

any help very gratefully received.

 

[breezer]

you claim on yours, who the sue him for the cost + a bit more

 

[kvasir]

Yup, I used to work in insurance and can confirm this.

Assuming there is damage to your flat that you wish repaired, get in touch with your insurers, explain the situation and submit a claim.

They will then arrange for the repairs to be carried out and will bill your neighbour's insurers for their outlay. No matter if you neighbour won't give you his insurance details, this kind of info is all shared these days. Standard practice and it won't affect your claims history.

 

[anobium]

Its called, "SUBROGATION"

 

[Deluks]

Have a word with him, having explained all of this. He might just pay for it to be fixed it the cost isn't too high. Some people are overly precious of their NCD.

 

[ChrisH]

Thanks for all your comments above.

we have decided not to claim for any damage to our flat - only a subtle stain on the ceiling so will just give a it quick coat of paint.

however, it has been suggested that we also have to claim through our insurer to pay for the repairs that were made below the floorboards of the flat above? Can this be correct? It would seem very odd to me to do this.

 

[Richardp]

use a White Stain Sealer or it'll keep reappearing, not sure about the 'repairs that were made below the floorboards' seems ridiculously
unfair to me but stranger things do happen.

 

[ChrisH]

Thanks Richardp. We will make sure and do that.

I am going to contact the owner of flat above and check his understanding. he seems like a decent guy.