To not expect friend to pay for broken laptop

[Macncheesewithbacon]

I'll try and keep it short. Please settle a debate that's building up into a row.

I have a MacBook that's about 4 years old. Had my old school mate and family over to stay, they camped nearby for a few nights then stayed with us for 3 nights. Last night we all had a few drinks, df got herself a pint of water and put it on the side table, her dog jumped up and knocked it over smashing a mug and the glass which spilled on a very precious vintage book and my MacBook.

We all cleared up, as best anyone could. Binned glass and mug, book in airing cupboard with tissue between pages and MacBook in rice. Df very apologetic and offering to pay for it all. I said these things happen, please relax. Next day she is insistent that she'll pay and profuse apologies. I say please forget it, you're my oldest friend and it was an accident.

Anyway, that was 3 weeks ago and despite following all advice and a trip to apple, the laptop is not repairable and we've spent £100ish on a new battery and charger which were no help.

I want to claim on insurance, DH adamant that df wants to pay and we should tell her. I feel this is unfair, it was an accident and she is struggling financially, we shouldn't mention it again. Who's right? Thanks

An argument for your very literal DP:

1. Your friend is only responsible for the cost of the laptop in the event of negligence. This was a genuine accident and you should have moved the computer. A small claims court might award half the value at best or, more likely, nothing.

1. The depreciation on a laptop is huge. It will have very little intrinsic value.

If he is really insistent you could ask your friend to pay the £100 you spent as a compromise with DH.

I would agree with PP- insurance won't pay out a lot. It may cost you more in future fees to claim.

Thanks for all the advice - I'll think it thru but agreed we're not mentioning it to her ☺️