Content VS Building insurance

total.bs

I own a top floor flat, because it is currently empty i have cancelled my content insurance.

I have just been contacted by the caretaker at the flats to say that they have been contacted by the flat below mine as water was coming through the light fitting in their house.

I visited the flat on Sat (it is now tuesday) and there wasnt any 'visible' water in the flat.

They are requesting my insurance details as they want to make a claim - surely it comes off the shared buildings insurance and /or their content insurance.

anyone got any views on this? any help is apriciative. :cool:

dogbot

If you have been negligent then they can claim from you. If not, they will have to claim from their own insurers.

You need to establish the exact source of the water immediatly.

total.bs

the stop tap has been turned so that means that there is no more leaking... but unfortunately i dont live there at the moment and work away from home BUT i am going there tonight to see what is what.

I cant beleive that this is something that i have done, and if there is no water damage to my flat then surely i am not to blame.

I thought flats had concrete floor construction as they are 'proper' flats built in the 90's

mattymoo

Concrete floors are often made using concrete blocks (like short beams) laid onto the steel framework. Water will penetrate the gaps. Likewise, there will be openings in the structure for building services to pass through, e.g. water, cables and so on.

Owners of downstairs flat can claim on their insurance but the insurer will then look to you for reimbursement if they feel you have been negligent. If you still had insurance cover they would deal with this and either pay up or fight the case.

Unfortunately, without cover you are on your own.

Landlords buildings cover deals with the building shell and communal areas only so that will be a non-starter.