New build roof damage

doodles1202

Hi, I am after some advice, perhaps from someone that has experienced a similar situation, or has knowledge in this area.  I live in a new build property which is just under two years old.  One of the slates from the garage has slipped and fallen (ironically not in the recent storms, it was prior to this).  The house builder have agreed to repair the roof under our two year warranty.

The question comes to my new car that was parked on the driveway underneath!  The slate has fallen and hit the bonnet of my car.  The house builder has told me I have to claim on my car insurance for this.  Should the builder be liable for the costs to repair the car or is this something I will have to sort myself?  

If it is the latter so be it, I would just like to be sure before going ahead with repairs!

Thank you smile:

Ebe_Scrooge

This is a fairly common question, and the answer is almost always that you'll need to claim on your car insurance.  Most "buildings" policies (whether your own or the builder's) will cover damage to the building, but will exclude consequential damage.

How bad is the damage to the car?  If it's a small dent, one of the "chips-away" type of outfits might be able to do a decent repair for not much money.  If it's going to need a whole new bonnet, ask a local body-shop how much they'd charge for a private repair.  Very often they'll charge a lot less for a private job than they would charge an insurance company.

It's a toss-up, of course, between the cost if you pay out of your own pocket and the cost of excess plus increased premiums if you go through your insurance.  But it's something to consider.

doodles1202

Thanks for the response.  Damage doesn't look horrendous but has dented and scratched the bonnet and also the wing.  Both will need filling and re-sprayed, I've had quotes of around the £700 mark, my insurance excess is £250.  Tough one to call.  I'd prefer not to put through the insurance as it will go down as a fault claim however £700 this side of Christmas isn't ideal!!
Thank you for the advice 

MisterNick

My experience in insurance may be slightly out of date, but I would challenge the builders in the first instance.
Tiles slipping after two years would, in my mind, put the builder in the position where they have to that it was something external that caused the tiles to slip rather than poor workmanship. An exceptional storm would give them a defence. 
In this case they accepted responsibility to fix the problem.
If you think it was poor workmanship then you could push your case.
If they continue to decline then your remedy is via the small claims court, which they may commercially settle, or may cost you money to fight.
Having said this its possible that you will still have to declare this at renewal or on any new quote you get, depending on how they word the "previous claims" or "events that may give rise to a claim" question. this may impact your premium, although maybe not your NCB
Wait until others comment

Bendy_House

It would be interesting to see what happens if you pursue a claim against the builder. But, the general principle is, if they haven't been 'negligent' - eg, 'aware' of loose tiles and did nothing about it, or are guilty of really shoddy work - then they are not usually 'liable'.

Do you have LP on your house insurance? If so, by all means call them up and ask about this. 

Also bear in mind that a 'claim' will not only mean you having to pay the excess, but 'could' also result in increased premiums. Tho' that would be harsh in your case as they'd only be coughing up around £500. I guess you can ask your insurance co what it'll end up costing you 'in total'!

DanDare999

Bendy_House said:

It would be interesting to see what happens if you pursue a claim against the builder. But, the general principle is, if they haven't been 'negligent' - eg, 'aware' of loose tiles and did nothing about it, or are guilty of really shoddy work - then they are not usually 'liable'.

Do you have LP on your house insurance? If so, by all means call them up and ask about this. 

Also bear in mind that a 'claim' will not only mean you having to pay the excess, but 'could' also result in increased premiums. Tho' that would be harsh in your case as they'd only be coughing up around £500. I guess you can ask your insurance co what it'll end up costing you 'in total'!

That may also see an increase in premium. 

Bendy_House

Indeed. It's wot I said.