Question regarding claim for content insurance excess and premium

[saneb2k]

Hi, I've received a claim from my neighbour as a result of a water leak from my flat which is rented out. She's claiming her flat suffered damages to the walls and carpet. The building insurance covers fixing the walls but not contents, so she's claiming she had to claim on her contents insurance to change her carpets and she wants me to pay for her excess and increased premium. My question is this - Am I liable for this?

Appreciate any insight.
Thanks

[des8]

do you have Landlord's Insurance for the flat you rent out?
If so that policy possibly has liability cover and you could pass the claim from your neighbour to your insurers.

If not you will probably have to cover the excess, but increased premium is a different matter.

I have a vague memory from years ago that there is no legal basis for claiming increased premiums from a third party responsible for an insured loss

[saneb2k]

des8 Thanks for your response. Unfortunately I didn't have Landlord's insurance at the time, although I do now.

[saneb2k]

Hi, does anyone have any other views about whether I can also contest the excess. I'm assuming that the legal basis for not being liable for the increased premium is because she can't prove that the increased premium is solely down to the single claim following the leak. Is that a fair assumption? Thanks

[des8]

Hi, does anyone have any other views about whether I can also contest the excessIf the leak was due to a fault of your tenant it would be possible to reclaim from him or dispute your liability. I'm assuming that the legal basis for not being liable for the increased premium is because she can't prove that the increased premium is solely down to the single claim following the leak. Is that a fair assumption? Basically yesThanks

comments in red

[saneb2k]

des8 Thanks for your response. I appreciate your help. The leak was the fault of my tenants because they accidentally left the tap open when there was a water cut. By the time they got back, the water was back on and water had escaped to several other flats , so I guess this means they are liable...

[des8]

i would agree with that interpretation.
The questions are 1) do they have the wherewithal to pay the excess and 2) if they do not do they have tenants liability insurance.
They are questions for your neighbours as you are not liable for damage caused by your tenants