Oil leak from neighbour's house outstanding. Kwik-fit Insurance transferred to Autonet -won't renew

toofy
toofy Posts: 209 Forumite
Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
edited 7 October 2018 at 11:02AM in Insurance & life assurance
Hi, I need some advice please. One of my neighbours' oil tanks leaked 6 months ago and it seeped onto my garden, albeit at the edge bordered by a fence. My garden borders 5 other houses and as my garden has a slight slope, (as does the offenders garden), the oil traveled into another neighbour's property too, so there are 3 houses affected, mine (slightly, as it's nowhere near the foundations), the neighbour behind, and the offending neighbour's property.

It was detected early enough to prevent damage to foundations, but now looks like stalemate. 6 months on and we all have gaping holes in the garden. About 2 tonne of soil has been removed from my garden alone. The oil tank was removed immediately and tests made to establish liability and damage, but that is the extent of what has been done. Everything is cordoned off and dug out.

The neighbour behind had to renew his insurance, which shot from around £200 to over £900 for the year. His insurance then instructed solicitors to act on his behalf and it has been decided a retaining wall has to be built as there is a steep slope from my garden to his. All insurers are in agreement that liability sits with the offending neighbour and that all costs will be recovered from them. Myself and the neighbour behind have done nothing to cause this problem.

My renewal is due this month. Kwik-fit (my insurers) informed me they were transferring their home insurance to Autonet. Autonet have now told me they are unwilling to insure me. Where do I go from here?

I assume Kwik-fit will see this to the end even though my insurance will expire in a couple of weeks, but how do I renew insurance when this is outstanding? And am I right in thinking it also puts my mortgage into question with no valid buildings insurance. Should I also seek formal legal advice? Is there any chance the Ombudsman can intervene to help?

Your thoughts appreciated..

Comments

  • csgohan4
    csgohan4 Posts: 10,600 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    get an insurance broker to look at your options
    "It is prudent when shopping for something important, not to limit yourself to Pound land/Estate Agents"

    G_M/ Bowlhead99 RIP
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 349.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.9K Spending & Discounts
  • 242.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 619.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.3K Life & Family
  • 255.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.