Home insurance for damage caused by your neighbours
Even though it’s almost always accidental, your neighbours can sometimes be the cause of serious damage to your property. This is how to make sure you’re insured
Key takeaways
If a neighbour causes damage to your property, it’s important to document what happens and gather evidence
Try to discuss the issue with them directly or via mediation - and if this fails, consider claiming on your home insurance
You might be able
Am I covered for damage to my property caused by my neighbours
Whether or not your home insurance covers damage caused by neighbours depends on the type of damage caused. If you have accidental damage cover as part of your home insurance, this should cover damage caused by your neighbours accidentally too - like a ball breaking a window.
What if the damage was deliberate?
If the damage was deliberate or malicious then you should be covered by your home insurance policy, but you will also need to call the police and get a crime report. This is likely necessary in order to make a claim on your home insurance.
What if I can’t prove the damage was my neighbour’s fault?
If you can’t prove the damage was your neighbour’s fault, you might still be able to claim, but it won’t always be accepted - especially if the damage was really caused by lack of upkeep.
Am I covered for fire or flood damage?
You might be able to claim on your neighbour’s home insurance for fire or flood damage if they weren’t at fault for the fire or flood - for example, if it didn’t result from lack of upkeep or maintenance. If they were at fault, then you would need to claim on your own home insurance policy. It’s best to check with your insurer to see if you’re covered.
Am I covered for my neighbour’s building works?
If the builder damaged your property on purpose, they have committed a criminal offence and therefore are responsible. The first thing you do should be to contact the police and the landlord or building owner if your neighbour is renting.
If the damage was caused accidentally, responsibility will depend on the circumstances. If your neighbour is found to be responsible, your neighbour may be able to claim on any public liability insurance they have to cover the cost of repairs.
If the builder is responsible, it's up to them to cover the cost of repairs. Most reputable tradesman should have some level of public liability insurance, so they should be able to claim on their insurance to reimburse you for the damages
What should I do if my neighbour damages my property?
If your neighbour causes damage to your property, you should let them know as soon as you realise, otherwise the damage may get worse. Be sure to collect any evidence, including photos or videos of the damage, and records of any conversations you have with your neighbour about the damage.
What if my neighbour doesn’t accept responsibility?
If your neighbour refuses to acknowledge their role in causing damage, or refuses to pay for the damage, you could consider mediation. This can help both parties reach an agreement without a stressful legal battle - use the UK government website to find a mediation service.
If this fails, then seeking legal advice might be your next step - in which case a solicitor will be able to guide you on what to do next.
What if I can’t prove the damage was my neighbour’s fault?
If you can’t prove the damage is your neighbour’s fault then the best option might be to claim on your home insurance and accept it as a loss. While it can be frustrating, it may end up costing you less than pursuing a claim without enough proof.
Can I sue my neighbour for damaging my property?
You can, but taking your neighbour to court should ideally be your last resort - it will cost a lot of time, money and mental energy. It’s likely only worth it for extensive and significant damage, otherwise it’s probably more cost effective to deal with the damage and repairs yourself.
Will I be covered for legal expenses?
Some home insurance policies include legal expenses cover, and your policy provider may cover your legal fees if they think there’s a reasonable chance that you’ll win. You’ll need to speak to them to be sure.
What if I am renting?
If you’re renting, your landlord will be responsible for the structure of your property - so they’ll need to sort out repairs for things like water or fire damage. However, they won’t be responsible for your belongings - for this you’ll likely need to claim on your contents insurance.
What if my neighbour is renting?
If your neighbour is renting and they cause damage to your property, you can talk to their landlord - their landlord insurance may even cover the cost of the property. They could at the very least help resolve the situation with their tenant.
Frequently asked questions
My neighbour's builder damaged my property. Who is responsible?
If the builder damaged your property on purpose, they have committed a criminal offence and therefore are responsible. The first thing you do should be to contact the police and the landlord or building owner if your neighbour is renting.
If the damage was caused accidentally, responsibility will depend on the circumstances. If your neighbour is found to be responsible, your neighbour may be able to claim on any public liability insurance they have to cover the cost of repairs. If the builder is responsible, it's up to them to cover the cost of repairs. Most reputable tradesman should have some level of public liability insurance, so they should be able to claim on their insurance to reimburse you for the damages
How do I prove to my insurer that I wasn't responsible for the damage?
When you make a claim on your home insurance, you will need to provide evidence of the incident. This process starts from the day you take out your home insurance policy. To help you make any claims on your home insurance, it helps to have photographs of your home in its original state – before the incident. If you have contents insurance, it also helps to have receipts or valuation certificates for valuable items to prove their original value.
When the incident occurs, you should take photographs of the damage. These photos should be clear and show the damage from multiple angles. Don't throw away your damaged items and avoid doing any repairs until you have properly discussed them with your provider. If the damage was related to a crime, you should also provide a police crime reference number.
During their investigation, your insurer may ask for further evidence to support your claim. The information you give along with your evidence should be enough to prove that you were not responsible for the damage.
Who's responsible for water damage in a flat?
Identifying who bears the responsibility for water damage in a flat often hinges on the origin of the water damage. If a leak stems from communal areas, like pipes in the building's walls, the building management typically shoulders the responsibility. Conversely, if the damage originates within an individual flat, such as from overflowing baths or faulty appliances, the flat owner is usually liable.
What happens if workers in my home cause damage?
When you hire contractors, they are generally responsible for any damage - so if issues arise, the contractor should manage repairs or compensation. To protect your interests, make sure agreements are set before work starts.
Can I enter someone else's property to turn off their water?
No, you cannot enter someone else’s property even if a leak is causing damage to your property. If this is the case, you should call the police - they should be able to help to prevent serious damage.
How does mediation work for neighbour disputes?
Mediation introduces a neutral third party to help neighbours discuss their issues. This process focuses on finding a solution that both parties can agree on. It avoids the need for court proceedings.
The mediator does not make decisions - instead, they encourage open and constructive conversation. This helps resolve the conflict amicably.
Author
Mehdi Punjwani
Insurance specialist
Mehdi is a financial writer and editor with over six years of experience in personal finance. He has written for organisations and publications including Equifax, The AA, and USAToday, covering a...
Reviewer
Saarrah Mussa
Former Content Writer
Saarrah was a MoneySuperMarket's in-house pet insurance expert. With broad experience writing across insurance products Saarrah is acutely aware of the complexities and costs consumers have to face...
