adhawkins Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 Hi all, Just gone out today to find out that the Welsh Wizard's car has been slightly damaged by a 'To Let' sign that has obviously blown down overnight. Luckily, I think it's fairly obvious the sign did the damage. There's mud all around the damaged area, and sign itself was stuck under the front of her car. The damage is only slight, but I'm damned if we're going to pay for it. Presumably there's little doubt that the letting company should pay to have the car fixed? I've phoned them, but their offices are closed. The mobile number they have for 'maintenance emergencies' just went to voice mail, so I've left a message. We've taken a photo of the damaged area (including the mud around it) and I've kept the sign Thoughts anyone? Is there anything else I should do, or just wait for them to call back (or phone their offices tomorrow if they don't)? I'm a bit loathe to involve the insurance company yet, as otherwise it ends up as a 'claim' on her insurance. Andy Quote
Bob Green Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 It's a little unusual for an Estate Agent to be closed on a Sunday (that is of course if the property is advertised by an Estate Agent) so it may be worth you going to pay them a visit today. I don't know anything about the legal system but it may be a case of "your sign, your responsibility"! Quote
adhawkins Posted February 8, 2004 Author Posted February 8, 2004 I don't think they're an estate agent, just a letting agent. I've since had a call back from the guy, who seemed quite reasonable. Gonna call him tomorrow to see what he says. He thinks we'll probably need to involve the insurance company though, which is a bit of a pain. Andy Quote
Chris Elworthy Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 Any person or business who erects any sort of sign should have public indeminity insurance. Assuming the car is insured by the keeper / driver, you will probably find that you will have to claim via your own insurance who will in turn claim against theirs. If this has an impact on your no-claims then they should also pursue the difference in premium via an uninsured loss route. Good Luck Quote
SteveD Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 it could just be said its an act of god ,you know wind etc ,i had a case once where a tree blew down and wrote off 3 cars and a van ,the tree was on some one elses property and the insurance said it was an act of god so the veihcle owners had to claim on there own insurance not the land owners public liability insurance , DOH !!! Quote
nlash Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 Most estate/letting agents contract out the fitting and removal of for sale/to let boards etc. I guess the estate/letting agency you have contacted will pass any liabilty due to the signage company that installed the sign on their behalf. Regarding act of god etc for the wind... you can still legally claim against the sign company's liability insurance as the company concerned have to fit the signs whilst allowing for any extremities in the weather... after all, the signs are fitted outdoors and should therefore be installed with any changes in the strength of the wind in mind. If they were to argue this point then I would take legal advice... something your car insurance company should provide free of charge as part of your insurance premium. My g/f runs a letting agency and has dealt with similiar problems in the past, if you have any further questions drop me a pm and i'll pass on your query to SWMBO Nige Quote
adhawkins Posted February 8, 2004 Author Posted February 8, 2004 Thanks for that Nige. The guy did seem fairly reasonable on the phone, I guess we just need to see what happens tomorrow. Andy Quote
higgsti Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 get the insurance company involved wifes car was damaged by kids with an airrifle she wouldnt let me get involved the kid was later charged and his mummy said she would pay just get her estimates .wifey did this kept sending lettersstill not recieved anything.if we had got the insurance involved the would have done all the work legally and if the other party doesnt respond to the insurance company you can always drop the claim without loss of no claims Quote
mud Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 Luckily, I think it's fairly obvious the sign did the damage. There's mud all around the damaged area, and sign itself was stuck under the front of her car. We've taken a photo of the damaged area (including the mud around it) and I've kept the sign i was nowhere near officer honest !!!! Quote
S8ight Posted February 8, 2004 Posted February 8, 2004 got off lightly with slight damage, driving home tonight, the council are putting up victorian style canopies along the few rows of shops. there are two car showrooms next two each other, with about 15 cars outside with nice new canopies collapsed on them Quote
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