Landlords vs car insurance.

[cairnterrier]

DH and I are renting a house privately. Last night a big chunk of wood broke off the roof and landed on the roof of our car causing a big dent and quite a bit of damage. We've contacted the landlord today who has told us that we need to claim on our car insurance as it was accidental damage. However this would then affect our no-claims discount and we would have to pay £350 excess.

Given that the chunk of wood broke off the landlord's roof and I'd previously asked the landlord about it and whether it was safe or not and been assured that it was, I would have thought that it should have been covered under Landlord's insurance.

Any thoughts?

should be able to claim against his building insurance

You could claim against your car insurance but you would lose any no claims bonus and would have to pay the excess.

I'm assuming because you've asked about it that the wood was unsecure/hanging perilously and didnt fall off due to wind - if this is the case he should be claiming against his buildings insurance.

If he refuses, remind him your car insurers will want his details and will probably go after him anyway.

You made the landlord aware of the dangerous state of his property (too much to hope it was in writing??) Of course it was his responsibility and he should pay up under his home insurance. If he refuses inform your car insurance and they will chase his insurers. Take photos, keep letters etc.