4 replies to this topic

[xydte]

Good morning everyone,

After almost two years of dealing with courts, insurance companies, and authorities, with still no resolution, I thought I would share my story here in case there is a lawyer in the group who might be able to advise me.

In November 2024, Rhodes was hit by the Bora storm, which caused severe flooding and extensive damage. Our garage was completely flooded, with the water reaching 1.87 metres, and my 1966 Mini Mk1 literally became a submarine.

I managed to save and repair everything I could. I will post the videos below so you can see the condition of the car and what happened. Unfortunately, the Mini now needs a complete restoration.

What happened with the insurance and authorities:

• House insurance: The insurance company says that the garage is considered a secondary structure of the main house and therefore they will not cover the damage.

• Car insurance: Unfortunately, I did not have weather/flood coverage because the insurance representative from the Greek FILPA club did not include it in my policy.

• Government / Municipality: They provided compensation for damage to houses, but in my case there was no damage to the main house because it is elevated and the water did not enter it.

The situation was made even worse because, as far as I understand, a hotel had constructed a bridge at the end of the river, near where it meets the sea. This appears to have affected the flow of the water and contributed to the flooding.

My question is:
Would it make any sense to take legal action against the hotel or whoever was responsible for the illigal construction of the bridge? Has anyone dealt with a similar situation ?

The Mini needs at least €30,000 to be properly restored, and unfortunately I cannot afford to do that at the moment.

I have also started a GoGetFunding campaign, just in case anyone would like to help me bring my grandfather's Mini Mk1 back to life:

 

https://gogetfunding...erious-damages/

First video: The Mini after the garage had been drained.

First video – after the garage was drained

Second video: After I repaired the electrics and gauges, replaced the carpet and seats, and even fitted an ISOFIX system from a Ford Mondeo for my son. Unfortunately, the differential is completely cooked.

Second video – repairs and current condition

Last video: Showing the main rust areas and the damage that remains.

Rust and body damage video

Any advice from someone with legal experience in cases like this would be greatly appreciated. 

Attached Files

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•  469041819_10161548896173300_1968073417317819943_n.jpg   36.98K   2 downloads
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•  690618512_10163547246633300_3579561145410157774_n (1).jpg   43.61K   0 downloads

Edited by xydte, Yesterday, 07:36 AM.

[mab01uk]

Might also be worth posting about what has happened to your 1966 Mk1 Mini on the 'Mk1 Forum' (see link below) for advice from the members or the possibility someone may have legal experience of cases similar to this in your country.

 

Mk1 Forum:-

https://mk1-forum.net/

Edited by mab01uk, Yesterday, 08:56 AM.

[xydte]

Also worth posting what has happened to your 1966 Mk1 Mini on the 'Mk1 Forum' (see link below) as there may also be some help and advice from the members or the possibility of someone with legal experience in cases similar to this.

 

Mk1 Forum:-

https://mk1-forum.net/

ok just did that

[Ethel]

It's not the UK so any advice might not be applicable. However, insurance is a contract so it will only apply if the policy covers the risk. As you've said the terms for house contents and belongings in out buildings are often different. There may also be a clause requiring you to specify items over a certain value.

 

I would expect you to be covered by comprehensive car insurance. It could be worth reading the small print. It might exclude avoidable damage, such as you choosing to drive into flood water - that shouldn't apply to already being parked in your garage.

 

I can't see the government stumping up for what amounts to a luxury item. You could try arguing on grounds of fairness if you can establish they've been compensating others for luxuries. Otherwise,you'd have to prove some liability, like failure to maintain storm drains, contributed to your losses.

 

In any case you could only expect to get your financial loss. If the Mini was worth less than €30,000 you'll have to pick up at least part of the bill. You will also have to prove what it was worth: that's before the damage & before any repairs. You should be ok if any repairs you've undertaken have prevented its condition deteriorating - you have a legal duty to minimise your losses.

[xydte]

It's not the UK so any advice might not be applicable. However, insurance is a contract so it will only apply if the policy covers the risk. As you've said the terms for house contents and belongings in out buildings are often different. There may also be a clause requiring you to specify items over a certain value.

 

I would expect you to be covered by comprehensive car insurance. It could be worth reading the small print. It might exclude avoidable damage, such as you choosing to drive into flood water - that shouldn't apply to already being parked in your garage.

 

I can't see the government stumping up for what amounts to a luxury item. You could try arguing on grounds of fairness if you can establish they've been compensating others for luxuries. Otherwise,you'd have to prove some liability, like failure to maintain storm drains, contributed to your losses.

 

In any case you could only expect to get your financial loss. If the Mini was worth less than €30,000 you'll have to pick up at least part of the bill. You will also have to prove what it was worth: that's before the damage & before any repairs. You should be ok if any repairs you've undertaken have prevented its condition deteriorating - you have a legal duty to minimise your losses.

Total agree