WWYD -- house repair from a storm

[Rajah]

Okay, here's a question I need some advice on.

Y'all may remember about a month ago that we had some heavy winds and probly a mini-tornado come through our neighborhood and take down a lot of fences and stuff. We were one of the unlucky ones in that we actually had roof damage, most likely from our neighbor's trampoline.

We've been going through the "proper" channels to get it registered through insurance and stuff, and just now *finally* got the estimate and scheduled repairs.

My mom is insisting that because our neighbor's trampoline was the most likely culprit, that we should ask them to split the cost of repairs.

My DH (who is VERY nonconfrontational) insists that because the repairs are below anyone's deductible, we shouldn't ask. Furthermore, according to the windstorm policies, apparently in Texas this would be considered an "act of God" and thus *our* responsibility to pay entirely. And furthermore, we aren't *poisitive* it was their trampoline, that was just the most likely culprit.

I'm on the fence. On one hand, I think we should ask the neighbors if they'll split the cost of repairs. On the other hand, since it's been a month since the damage and we haven't mentioned it to them, I don't want to hit them with this now. And since the "law" says it's an "act of God"... We also don't want to become "those" neighbors who are pushy and rude. And furthermore, our neighbors have 2 little kids they have to care for. Granted, we don't know their financial situation, but the repairs on this are going to put us in some hurt. And, we barely know these neighbors.

So I really don't know...

WWYD -- would you approach the neighbors about it? If so, how would you approach them without being confrontational?

 

[Tiggeroo]

unless you are positive or they offer, I doubt you could get them to pay any.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Without direct proof I would leave it alone.

 

[Squirlz]

Did they pick it up and throw it? If not, just because they own it doesn't make them liable.

 

[budbeerlady]

I would not ask the neighbors to help pay. It falls under an act of God clause, I am assuming they lost their trampoline due to damage. They arent asking you for money to buy a trampoline due to damage from your roof. And as a trampoline owner I am impressed that a trampoline might have damaged your roof. (That had to have been one heck of a storm!!!!!!!!)

The neighbors might be trying to cough up money for their own storm damages and a new trampoline for the kids. Claim it on your homeowners or pay out of pocket.

 

[Castlebound]

Truthfully I think it would be rude and would seem money hungry to ask them to pay for even part of it. We had a tornado come through our area about three years ago, and our house suffered damage. A lot of stuff was flying through the air at the time. Who is to say that my trashcan lid that was never saw again didn't rip the trim off my neighbor's house? Maybe their patio umbrella stripped the shingles off my roof down to the plywood? We didn't point fingers after the storm. In fact we helped each other clean up.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I would not ask the neighbors to help pay. It falls under an act of God clause, I am assuming they lost their trampoline due to damage. They arent asking you for money to buy a trampoline due to damage from your roof. And as a trampoline owner I am impressed that a trampoline might have damaged your roof. (That had to have been one heck of a storm!!!!!!!!)

The neighbors might be trying to cough up money for their own storm damages and a new trampoline for the kids. Claim it on your homeowners or pay out of pocket.

Trampolines CAN cause a lot of damage especially to roof tiles when the trampolie gets blown around. Our neighbors across the street have one and don't take it down when we are under a hurricane threat.

We take everything that isn't nailed down inside in the case of a hurricane. I would hate to think that something of mine caused damage to another's house and I could have prevented it.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I wouldn't ask them for money, but after reading Miss Jasmine's post, I would let them know for future reference that they might lock down, or put away anything that might get blown away since you did receive damage during the storm, and you'd like to try and mitigate any future problems.

Sorry to read about these hassles, Tammi.

 

[Rajah]

Thanks everyone. You helped me get off the fence. Now I just have to stand up to my mom and get her off my case trying to get us to get the neighbors to help pay.

 

[golfgal]

Trampolines CAN cause a lot of damage especially to roof tiles when the trampolie gets blown around. Our neighbors across the street have one and don't take it down when we are under a hurricane threat.

We take everything that isn't nailed down inside in the case of a hurricane. I would hate to think that something of mine caused damage to another's house and I could have prevented it.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are two completly different things. You have days to prepare for a hurricane and you have minutes, maybe even seconds to 'prepare' for a tornado. There really isn't anything they could have done to prevent this other then not having a trampoline.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Hurricanes and tornadoes are two completly different things. You have days to prepare for a hurricane and you have minutes, maybe even seconds to 'prepare' for a tornado. There really isn't anything they could have done to prevent this other then not having a trampoline.

I udnerstand that. My reply was in reply to the person that said she can't believe trampolines can cause a lot of damage. They can. I have seen it. It's not pretty. Believe me I know the difference timing wise and everything else wise.

The rest was a rant from me because it ticks me off that my neighbors think so little of the others around them in those circumstances.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Without direct proof I would leave it alone.

I agree with this.

 

[minkydog]

I wouldn't risk a good relationship with the neighbor's over something like this. This was purely an accident; no one is at fault. Just pay up and hope for a better storm season

 

[lowie]

i say if you don't know for sure that it was their trampoline and you do know for sure that your state law doesn't allow for you to collect from them, i wouldn't even consider asking.

 

[Michie]

Thanks everyone. You helped me get off the fence. Now I just have to stand up to my mom and get her off my case trying to get us to get the neighbors to help pay.

Does your mother own the house with you?

 

[golfgal]

Even if it were their tramp and you had proof it isn't like they threw the tramp on your roof and damaged it. It never would have occurred to me to ask them. I think your mom needs to just stay out of it. How much damage was done? If it was less then your deductible either your deductible is really high or the damage wasn't much. If it is less then your deductible I wouldn't even turn in the claim since it could raise your insurance rates.