So we live next door to a property that is being developed into two houses. There’s a wooden fence all along the property line that we own.
During the construction, the fence was broken in multiple places. It’s now unfixable. (It’s far worse than the photos show.) The property owner claimed the damage on his insurance, and after submitting the required estimates for replacement, we have received a response. Because we bought the house 6 years ago and do not have a date or proof of installation for the fence, the insurance will only pay us 2000chf. The cheapest quote we got was 5500chf. So we are just expected to cover the 3500chf ourselves I guess? (They also caused other damage to our property which we have reported to the insurance company. We have no proof of purchase for any of those items either so I’m not hopeful.)
I’m guessing this is standard policy and I’ve been in this country long enough to know that I can’t argue with the insurance company. But it seems crazy. Is there anything that we can do? Will our own insurance cover it? Also, is it normal or required to save receipts for everything including something like a fence? Many thanks!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1oe6tj7
Posted by Brief-Philosophy-179
9 Comments
Would seems to make sense.
A wooden fence would only last so long anyway. The insurance would only cover the remaining value and not the value to restore it to a brand new state.
God I hate insurance companies
5500.- for this wooden fence ? Why not repair it yourself for a couple hundred
The neighbor is liable. His insurance isn’t your business.
Yes, a new fence costs more than the current value of the existing fence. But until Eigenmietwert will cease to exist in 2028, you can deduct the costs of the new fence fully from your income tax as maintenance costs. Actually not a bad situation for you. Ask the insurance for 3k and you will have a new fence practically for free.
What planet do we live on where a fence like this is 5k lol
It’s between you and your neighbor. Even if their insurance only pays part, it’s still your neighbor’s responsibility. The question is, do you want to potentially spoil your relationship with your neighbor by trying to get them to pay the full cost?
I thought insurance companies pay for replacement, not for what it cost x years ago. Either way he’s liable no matter what his insurance says. I hope you have legal insurance
Dude, just go to Jumbo with 50 CHF, buy some pieces of wood, and in like 30 minutes you have it as new. You can also stop by the grocery store and with the rest of the 50 CHF you buy a beer and some chips to admire your repaired fence. You will spend less time and less stress than claiming a ducking insurance company.