claims handler?

slopemaster

A large limb fell off neighbours tree damaged mothers house roof; mothers insurers are sorting this out.

But neighbour will not do anything about tree - ie get it inspected by expert/removed if necessary, and mother fears more damage.
Also the roots of this tree have damaged her drive and wall, but this is not covered on mothers insurance.
I tried getting her (my mothers) insurers to pursue it but they will not.
I got details from the neighbour of HER insurer, and wrote to them - sometime ago, before the branch fell - but had no reply.

So, my Q is, is this the sort of thing a claims handler could help with?
If so, how do I find a reputable one?
And what if the neighbours insurance does not cover this type of damage?

Grateful for any advice, thanks

dacouch

A claims handler will not normally get involved in this as they tend to work on no win no fee and generate their income mainly from personal injury and credit hires.

Do you have legal expense cover on your home insurance, if so they may help out.

Failing that you could contact their Insurers and instigate a claim against them, you will need to prove they were negligent, the fact you have already advised them the tree could be dangerous and they have not acted should help.

With regard to the tree route damage you could write to them and put them "On Notice" that the tree routes could potentially damage your home and that if this happens you reserve the rights of recovery against them.

Another option is to contact the local council and speak to the department that deals with trees, they will often send out their in house specialist who will advise on any works needed to the tree and any works they agree to. (This is often to take the all or part of the crown off which often stops further route damage). They will also advise on when in the future further works should be carried out on the tree.

Quentin

If the tree has caused damage due to negligence you can (if you want) take legal action to get the courts to issue an injunction to get the neighbour to take whatever action is necessary. But just being "worried" about what might happen won't be enough. Get a report from a specialist if you are seriously worried.

You might involve your solicitor regarding this, but a claim handler wouldn't be the right person to speak to about this.

slopemaster

OK, thanks for those pointers