Q One of my roof tiles was blown off and smashed a neighbour’s car windscreen.
But my insurers say they are only prepared to consider the claim if my neighbour sues me and proves that my roof is in a bad state of repair.
They say it was an “Act of God”.
I wonder if they would have paid up if someone had been seriously injured?
A Your insurance contract will probably say that you are indemnified against “liability at law” – in other words they will only pay out where a court has held you responsible.
If your neighbour – or anyone who had been seriously injured by one of your roof tiles – did take you to court they would probably win unless you could show that you had the roof inspected recently or that the weather conditions were truly exceptional.
It’s rare for an Act of God defence to succeed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here