Hi everyone
Some construction is going on in our building, workers are replacing water pipes. Last week, one of those pipes broke during the night, and as a consequence our basement space was flooded (and only ours). The water rose to maybe a bit less than an inch. The workers didn't tell us immediately (in fact I found out by myself last weekend), so this damaged permanently some furniture that was stored there.
I called my regie (this is in Lausanne), and they said my first and only step was to contact my insurance, who might then decide to turn back on theirs. I mentioned I didn't have a water damage insurance, and they basically laughed to my face on the phone, saying it was too bad and I was out of luck. Since this is clearly an error on someone else's part (the regie or the works company), I feel that the question of my insurance is totally irrelevant.
What do you think? What are my options?
Thanks

Like the time a van driver went into the back of my car, you claim against the insurance of the person or company that is responsible for the people who caused the damage.

hi lokami, sorry to hear that. First of all, if it is the fault of the builders then they are liable and they will have insurance to pay for the damage to your stuff. I suggest you take photos of the damage and the flooding and then send them a copy along with an explanation of what has happened along with a clear sequence of events, dates, damage etc. In addition I would contact your insurer and ask them to help you, this is their duty. If they laughed at you you should really consider speaking to their manager of changing your insurer. Water damage cover is usually accidental and for natural i.e. non made man perils. The builders caused the flooding so they should pay.

Good luck with your inquiry. Cheers MG

In a nutshell:
- generally, you could claim against your household insurance. This might not fall in the category of water damage (since it is not a flood, rainstorm, etc) so you might still have coverage. So check with your insurance. If that fails:

- you'll (most likely) have a contractual claim against your landlord. It is his duty to provide you with space fit for use (i.e. not submerged in an inch of water) and I assume the landlord hired the builders. So have the damage assessed (ask your insurance how to go about that - even if you don't have water damage insurance - they should be able to help. Send a (registered) letter to the landlord notifying the damage and requesting payment.

-additionally, you might have a tort claim against the builders. However, you would have to prove that they were at fault (i.e. were negligent).

Just to clarify: I have "responsability civile", but not "assurance menage" == "household insurance".