Homeowners pay price of unruly neighbours

Nearly half of UK homeowners (45 per cent) whose neighbours have inflicted damage on their property end up paying for repairs themselves or claiming on their own insurance.

Of those who do repair the damage off their own backs, 76 per cent know their neighbour should be taking responsibility, according to research by Tesco Home Insurance.

The reluctance to confront neighbours about the damage they cause stems from a certain English politeness and reticence, with 31 per cent admitting they don't want to complain, while 11 per cent enjoy such a good relationship with their neighbour that they don't want to jeopardising it.

Allan Burns, head of Tesco Home Insurance, comments: "It would seem that the great British aversion to complaining is alive and well, despite the fact it might cost them financially.

"However, it?s heart-warming to know that some avoid the confrontation route because they think so much of the people living next door."

He urged homeowners to think carefully on what course of action to take, for "they may find that their neighbour is willing to hold themselves accountable and therefore foot the bill or claim from their own insurance policy".

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