Home Insurance or Self Fund Relatively Minor Seeming Storm Damage?

Adamc

Hi 

We've had a couple of ridge tiles fly off and smash on our flat roof garage. Three fence panels and posts have also gone amongst other minor damage. Both will likely need a professional to complete though. Compared to much of the damage caused across the country this seems very minor and could hopefully be rectified for a few hundred pounds (?) I am wondering if I should self fund this rather than attempt to claim on home insurance? Especially as I'd rather have the tiles done sooner rather than later. Anyone faced similar? Any compelling reason to use home insurance other than the fact that you'd hope to be able to in such events? 

Sandtree

First of all... what's your excess? Could be you have no choice.

Secondly, check your policy... some cover boundary walls but not fences.

I'd imagine the biggest concern will be if the tiles have caused any damage to the flat roof and probably worth getting that checked out as soon as you can.

Ganga

We had about 6 ridge tiles off in storm Arwen ,got a local and well respected roofing company out for a quote ,just over £1200 as they had to erect scaffolding ,put it through the insurance company as our excess was above £200 ,if the cost would have been £300 i would have just paid it rather than involve insurance company but at that cost that is what you pay insurance for.. 

TELLIT01

If they are true ridge tiles, not hip tiles, some roofers will still use a roof ladder especially for just a couple of tiles.  Certainly worth getting quotes before making a decision.

Thrugelmir

The fence posts were most likely rotten and in need of replacement anyway. 

Adamc

Well I got the tile fixed as it was urgent. £200. 

Ganga

Adamc said:

Well I got the tile fixed as it was urgent. £200. 

Probably the same as your excess so you are not out of pocket plus you can honestly state  " no claims " when looking for cover in the future.

Adamc

Ganga said:

Adamc said:

Well I got the tile fixed as it was urgent. £200. 

Probably the same as your excess so you are not out of pocket plus you can honestly state  " no claims " when looking for cover in the future.

Still got the fence to attend to though there's a good chance that wouldn't be covered by home insurance

dunstonh

TELLIT01 said:

If they are true ridge tiles, not hip tiles, some roofers will still use a roof ladder especially for just a couple of tiles.  Certainly worth getting quotes before making a decision.

Exactly what mine did a couple of years ago when a few low-level tiles came away on one of the barns.  He didn't charge me either but I effectively employ him considering the amount of work he does for us and we have a supply of pantiles on site.