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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Damage to property

98 replies

Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:33

Hi all,

With the cost of living as it is not everyone has saving so if a loved on accidentally damaged a neighbour or friends property and you couldn’t afford to fix it what would you do.
Insurance is an option but would mean already high premiums would sky rocket.
Feeling pretty on edge right now. Just received from a breakdown so don’t need this on top.
Owner of damage will not accept a payment plan.

OP posts:
Original poster
Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:34

Recovered from a breakdown

OP posts:
MolesOnPoles · 03/01/2023 14:35

Use your insurance. It’s what it’s there for.

Not paying when you’ve caused harm to someone else when you could (even if it costs you down the line) is immoral.

neverknowinglyunreasonable · 03/01/2023 14:36

It sounds like insurance is your only option here unfortunately. Could you shop around when it's renewal time or pay monthly to reduce outgoings?

MaggieFS · 03/01/2023 14:37

Agree with the pp. If a payment plan is not an option, then it is what insurance is for.

thunderstruckk · 03/01/2023 14:37

Is the loved one your responsibility eg a DC? If so, insurance is there for this sort of thing (and it might not rocket as much as you think!). If the loved one isn't your responsibility, are they okay paying?

HomeAGnome · 03/01/2023 14:39

Agree with claiming on your insurance, I wouldn't accept a payment plan either
Horrible position to be in though

Chickenly · 03/01/2023 14:40

They might have to accept a payment plan. You’re the one with the money and they want it - they can’t go into your bank account and take it. Either they can accept it in a form you can offer or they can take you to court and they’d probably end up with a payment plan anyway.

NoDairyNoProblem · 03/01/2023 14:41

Could you tell us a bit more about the circumstances?

DreamingOfAGreenChristmas · 03/01/2023 14:42

Really sorry you have this on your plate OP.
In the end, this is what insurance is for.
My premiums haven’t actually risen due to claims, on buildings, contents and motor respectively.

Greensleevevssnotnose · 03/01/2023 14:45

I think it's a fallacy that premiums rise when you claim. Mine never have. But I appreciate I am not everyone

WhatNoRaisins · 03/01/2023 14:45

If you want to recover your relationship with this person it's going to have to be insurance.

Original poster
Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:47

My disabled dc fell causing damage to a car that was parked on our boundary

OP posts:
Original poster
Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:47

I don’t care about the relationship to be honest

OP posts:
Headabovetheparakeet · 03/01/2023 14:49

How much are they asking for? Have they shown you a few quotes for the repairs?

Azandme · 03/01/2023 14:50

Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:47

My disabled dc fell causing damage to a car that was parked on our boundary

Then you have to claim on your insurance, or risk being taken to court.

Why pay insurance and then not use it? 🤔

picklemewalnuts · 03/01/2023 14:50

Ask them to claim on their insurance? Offer to contribute to the excess as a sign of goodwill?

Is the item unusable without being mended, or is it cosmetic damage?

Chickenly · 03/01/2023 14:50

They should be claiming on their own car insurance. It invalidates their insurance if they don’t inform their insurer. Their insurer may aim to recover the cost from you, either from insurance or directly but they’re likely to just eat the costs. Either way, they have to tell their insurance.

LIZS · 03/01/2023 14:51

How much damage is there? Was it entirely accidental or contributory factors (pushed, messing about etc)?

Original poster
Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:52

In the process of getting quotes.
Not that it matters but this persons car is already old and battered and it feels like they are doing it for the sake of it.
Soneone accidentally damaged my car last year and I let it go as it’s not a new car.

OP posts:
Original poster
Notyetacatlady · 03/01/2023 14:53

Entirely accidental

OP posts:
Berthatydfil · 03/01/2023 14:53

If this was a genuine accident and you weren't negligent in looking after/controlling your child or encouraging your child to damage their car, then the owner of the car needs to claim on their insurance - thats whats its for.

You should pay for their excess thats not covered by the insurance payout.

picklemewalnuts · 03/01/2023 14:54

My car has been accidentally damaged by DC on two occasions. I've sucked it up both times (plus all the other bits that happen and you never know how).

Lochroy · 03/01/2023 14:54

Such a tough situation but please don't let how you view their car nor that you let things go with your own cloud your view. They are entitled to have just the damage caused by your DC fixed.
You also don't have to accept their quotes. Let your insurance sort it out.

Favouritefruits · 03/01/2023 14:55

The car owner needs to claim on their car insurance, nothing else to be done. They insurance might contact you but doubt it very much. If the car owner has a big excess they are probably trying it on.

Chickenly · 03/01/2023 14:57

www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/i-hit-a-parked-car-what-should-i-do/

"If you don’t report damage caused to your car while it’s parked, or after you hit a parked car, your insurance may become invalid."

They have to claim on their insurance.