Shed and garage fire

rjcb23

My nextdoor neighbour had a BBQ yesterday. She had it close to her shed.
Her shed caught fire.
My fence then caught fire.
My shed then caught fire
My garage then caught fire (it is thankfully a separate building (pitched/tiled roof)
My shed is now only half a shed and the majority of its contents are either burnt or melted.
The garage roof is burnt (not clear how severe but fire crew advised not going in until specialist advice taken)
The fire fell into the garage burning some items, not all, but melting lots.
Lots of water damage one would presume, after the fire crew drenched it all.
She admitted last night that it started from her shed catching fire from her BBQ.

I have contacted my insurers and things are in motion; loss adjuster will be visiting, plus a company for the contents side of things.

I have 2 questions:

1) Is my shed itself (not the contents) likely to be covered under the buildings insurance (I should have asked when I spoke to the insurance lady but forgot)

2) I have a feeling that the contents limit for outbuildings (sheds/garages) wont cover what has been ruined/damaged in the fire and as it was caused by the neighbour's negligence, should I claim against *her* insurance for any thing above the limit of my own insurance plus my own excess and any increase to my premium?

Thanks in advance

Quentin

If you can prove your neighbour's negligence then they will be liable for all your costs irrespective of whether or not they are covered by your insurance policy

dacouch

It's a difficult case, your contents policy will replace most items on a "New for Old" basis. However it is likely to have limits for items in outbuildings.

(Buildings eg structures are not on a new for old basis, however they will generally rebuild damaged structures with new materials).

If you claim directy from the neighboors Insurance (Bear in mind this can be a long winded process) they are not liable to replace items on a "New for Old" basis, instead they will take into account "Wear and Tear" eg they will make deductions from your settlement for the age of the items.

You need to read your policy and / or speak to the Loss Adjuster (It is good practice to read your policy so you understand what you are covered for as this can help in dealing with the LA).

Very occassionally a decent Insurer will ignore the policy limits and just replace the items if they are claiming against the neighboor. This is very very rare now days but it is worth asking.

You can probably recover your excess from your neighboor

rjcb23

Thanks both, taken this on board and will speak to the loss adjuster when they visit.