Oh No

[Ruthies Radiola]

My 1996 13ft Scamp was damaged by a neighbors falling tree it cracked the roof, destroyed the vent/hatch broke the back and one side windows and knocked down the over the sink cabinet. We have had her for 12 years she was in good shape we have done some custom work fridge, ac, beds don't know what the value would be. Would appreciate any advice or info. We trimmed away the branches so we could move the camper and cover it to stop any rain/snow ice that was coming the next day. Thanks, Ruthie

[AlanKilian]

What a bummer.

Will your homeowners insurance cover the damage?

[Ruthies Radiola]

Didn't have it insured because it was just sitting in the back yard because I had a accident, fell down the attic ladder fractured 5 vertebrae and crushed my hand. I was looking forward to this spring now that I am mostly recovered after two years. I'm hoping the neighbors insurance will cover at part of it. I see ads for scamps with outrageous prices so I don't know what they really sell for.

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by Ruthies Radiola

I see ads for scamps with outrageous prices so I don't know what they really sell for.

They sell for that much.

Please post pictures of the dammage. It's likely repairable.

[Jon in AZ]

Repairable, yes, but start by getting an estimate from a reputable fiberglass repair shop (marine or some auto body shops).

Realistically, if you go through insurance and professional repair, it may well end up totaling out due to the labor involved (just going off your description). Repair of major fiberglass damage is often practical only if you do the work yourself.

Start by taking lots of pictures, hopefully before anything is moved or cleaned up. Then collect and print out recent ads with comparable units for sale. Armed with an estimate, pictures, and ads, discuss the situation with your insurance agent. Without insurance on the Scamp, you will probably have to work with your neighbor’s insurer, but I would want their guidance anyway.

I am so sorry about your trailer.

[AlanKilian]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Repairable, yes, but start by getting an estimate from a reputable fiberglass repair shop.

It sounds like they don't have insurance, so it's all cash out-of-pocket unfortunately.

It's important to have insurance for unexpected disasters like this.

[Steve Hague]

Ruth, have you checked with your homeowner's insurance? If not, I suggest giving your agent a call in case your policy has coverage of your personal property without a special rider. Best wishes.
Steve

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by AlanKilian

It sounds like they don't have insurance, so it's all cash out-of-pocket unfortunately.

It's important to have insurance for unexpected disasters like this.

They don’t, but the neighbor does. It was the neighbor’s tree that caused the damage. Documentation of how the damage occurred and the cost of repair and replacement will be important. You need both because insurers will generally only pay for repair up to the replacement value. Since both repair and replacement are expensive right now due to inflation, the documentation provides leverage with a skeptical homeowner and/or insurer.

The OP’s physical limitations appear to rule out a DIY repair, so the estimate is needed to determine whether to professionally repair or replace. That’s the bottom-line decision, regardless of whether there is any insurance to help.

I agree that insuring your trailer is a good thing. That way the insurance company goes to bat for you with the neighbor’s insurance in cases such as these and allows you to get started on repair or replacement immediately.. Coverage is very inexpensive for a small trailer. I was surprised recently to discover my insurance company’s valuation of my 14-year-old trailer has kept up with market prices better than expected.

[Ruthies Radiola]

Thanks everyone for your info will try to keep you in the loop as things go on

[James does]

It is rebuildable as there is almost no limit when it comes to fiberglass repairs
My Trillium had a 16indiameter white pine fall on it . There was a lot of damage as hit hard enough to crack the kitchen counter inside.
I reglassed/repaired almost the entire upper half and the lower half of back wall Parts of the counter and Bed structure.

No one believe mine is a 1976 nor that it was crushed by a tree

So it is repairable

Originally Posted by Ruthies Radiola

My 1996 13ft Scamp was damaged by a neighbors falling tree it cracked the roof, destroyed the vent/hatch broke the back and one side windows and knocked down the over the sink cabinet. We have had her for 12 years she was in good shape we have done some custom work fridge, ac, beds don't know what the value would be. Would appreciate any advice or info. We trimmed away the branches so we could move the camper and cover it to stop any rain/snow ice that was coming the next day. Thanks, Ruthie

[Stephen_Albers]

I seem to recall that a previous poster was also an insurance adjuster who weighed in on cosmetic damage that occurred to an owner's insured NEW trailer, paid for but parked at a dealership awaiting pickup.(a forklift truck scraped it or similar.) The adjuster on his claim WROTE OFF THE ENTIRE TRAILER. His logic was that stock small trailers are basically throw-away products and there was no way to guarantee that more internal damage had not occurred.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Ruthies Radiola

My 1996 13ft Scamp was damaged by a neighbors falling tree it cracked the roof, destroyed the vent/hatch broke the back and one side windows and knocked down the over the sink cabinet.

Originally Posted by James does

It is rebuildable as there is almost no limit when it comes to fiberglass repairs
My Trillium had a 16indiameter white pine fall on it . There was a lot of damage as hit hard enough to crack the kitchen counter inside.
I reglassed/repaired almost the entire upper half and the lower half of back wall Parts of the counter and Bed structure.

No one believe mine is a 1976 nor that it was crushed by a tree

So it is repairable

Seriously!!! I was just thinking of James' trailer when I read this. He has a bunch of great pictures in his profile here.

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by Ruthies Radiola

Didn't have it insured because it was just sitting in the back yard because I had a accident, fell down the attic ladder fractured 5 vertebrae and crushed my hand. I was looking forward to this spring now that I am mostly recovered after two years. I'm hoping the neighbors insurance will cover at part of it. I see ads for scamps with outrageous prices so I don't know what they really sell for.

They sell for ridiculous.

Might find a boat expert to tell you what can be done to fix it.

[barrry smithe]

Originally Posted by Steve Hague

Ruth, have you checked with your homeowner's insurance? If not, I suggest giving your agent a call in case your policy has coverage of your personal property without a special rider. Best wishes.
Steve

You will learn that the tree owners insurance will not cover items damaged on your side of the fence. Tree removal and Scamp is unfortunately on you.

[AlanKilian]

Well........

I had a tornado come through my place and my homeowners insurance covered anything on MY side of the property line without regard to where the tree roots are. So this seems likely, but who really knows.

It may be different for different folks.

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by AlanKilian

Well........

I had a tornado come through my place and my homeowners insurance covered anything on MY side of the property line without regard to where the tree roots are. So this seems likely, but who really knows.

It may be different for different folks.

That last line is the key. All states differ on this. Many a lot. Try checking with your insurance agent.

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by barrry smithe

You will learn that the tree owners insurance will not cover items damaged on your side of the fence. Tree removal and Scamp is unfortunately on you.

That depends on which state. It also would depend on if this was something that was inevitable, ie the tree was in bad shape.

[ccd47203]

IMHO the neighbors homeowners insurance your cover the repair or replaced of your trailer. The neighbor will be required to pay the deductible. If you file a claim on your homeowners policy you will have to pay the deductible. Once you file a claim you can expect a increase on your homeowners policy. Your neighbor should step up the plate and pay for the repairs or replacement. If they total it and you think it is worth repairing you can get a price to buy it back. The buyback will be a percentage of what they pay out.
If the insurance company offers you less than it is worth you can pay to have it appraised. An appraisal will give you more leverage to settle the claim. NADA has trailer values and your appraiser should search the internet for similar trailers. While we have much love and affection for our campers the insurance company looks at the bottom line. The will likely have to obtain a salvage title before paying out. You can claim your neighbor was neglect in not maintaining the tree so as to prevent the incident. You can take them to small claims court if necessary. You get a judgement from the court and they are on the hook.

[AlanKilian]

Originally Posted by ccd47203

You can claim your neighbor was neglect in not maintaining the tree so as to prevent the incident. You can take them to small claims court if necessary. You get a judgement from the court and they are on the hook.

WOW! I'm glad I'm not your neighbor!

Wind causes a tree to fall down, and you want to sue your neighbor because YOU failed to properly insure your property.

Shame on you.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by AlanKilian

WOW! I'm glad I'm not your neighbor!

Wind causes a tree to fall down, and you want to sue your neighbor because YOU failed to properly insure your property.

Shame on you.

Be kind.

I just went through this exact thing when my deck was damaged. AND, it was because the neighbors had failed to take down a diseased tree. My insurance company went after them. My neighbors lost.

Homeowners/landlords are responsible for all flora within boundaries. IF you're a homeowner, check it out. Better to be pro-active than re-active.