Flood Damage Excess Liability

[GemG]

Hello. My car got damaged by flooding (in a car park) last week and has been confirmed as a total loss; my insurance have advised I would be liable for the excess as ''they can't claim it off the weather'', however, I don't see why I should be liable as it wasn't my fault - can anyone advise if this policy is standard or if there is anything I can do? Thanks

[unclebulgaria67]

Hello. My car got damaged by flooding (in a car park) last week and has been confirmed as a total loss; my insurance have advised I would be liable for the excess as ''they can't claim it off the weather'', however, I don't see why I should be liable as it wasn't my fault - can anyone advise if this policy is standard or if there is anything I can do? Thanks

 

It is not a fault excess. It is an own damage excess which is deducted when you claim off your policy for damage to your car. If someone else caused an accident, it is then possible to claim it back from them. If you don't like having an excess then shop around for a policy without an excess, but expect to pay a higher premium.

[Trojan1401]

Unclebulgaria is correct, an excess whether compulsory or voluntary for own damage is payable by the policyholder irrespective of blame. If however the incident was not your fault and an identifiable third party is responsible then it may be possible to recover your excess and any other out of pocket expenses.

If you were in a car park where you had to pay then you may be in a position to recover from them.

It's worth a try doing so as unless your insurer can recover too, you will probably lose part of your NCD.