What kind of Insurance cover do i need if i were to flood my downstairs neighbour?

makershaker

Hi, just wondering...

Do i need Contents or home insurance incase that ever happens?

I only have Building Insurance!

cogito

What makes you think you might flood him?

Assuming that he's not p*ssed you off so much that you flood him on purpose, your buildings insurance includes personal liability cover that would protect you against any claim. He would have to show that you were negligent.

You should insure your contents anyway.

dogbot

It rather depends on the cause of the flood. If it were an item of YOUR contents - e.g. washing machine, then the liability cover provided by contents insurance would cover this and NOT buildings insurance. Liability cover from buildings insurance only covers liability as the owner of the building.

Your neighbour is only entitled to claim against you if you have been negligent. He would have to prove that you had been negligent "on the balance of probabilities" (i.e. under civil law).

The best bet is to take reasonable precautions. Check for leaks etc regularly around sinks and washing machines and keep them clean.

cogito

Thanks for clarifying. I was assuming a burst pipe or similar.

dogbot

Yep, quite correct, should have said that yes of course a burst pipe would be covered by the buildings policy.