Builder's public liability claim... should I pay?

[HeyPesto55]

Not sure whether i'm posting in the right section but hoping someone can advise.

My builder has damaged an item in my house. Very easy to replace. Make retailer. He owned up to it and says he will claim on the insurance. So far so good. However, he says I must pay for the item and then send him details for the claim.

Surely he should order this? And then claim himself? We don't owe him any money so I can't take it out what we owe him.

Help!

As he has damaged your property, presumably beyond repair, he is liable for the cost of a replacement. That does not mean he has to purchase the replacement himself. But he must compensate you for the costs involved. However, provided you can prove how much it will cost, you should be able to get him to pay before you purchase the replacement. Note that he is liable regardless of whether or not his insurers pay up.

If you have contents insurance you could make a claim and let your insurers sort it out with his insurers. Your policy may contain a clause requiring you to notify them of this kind of incident even if you don't make a claim.

prh that is extremely helpful. Thank you so much for answering.

He is liable, however has walked off site so I suspect I will never see him or the money again. But I hadn't thought about my insurers. That's a great idea.

Thanks again