I was hoping to get some input on a very freak accident. Four months after closing on a nicely renovated fourplex, a tenant parked their vehicle next to the rear steps on a day with 65 mph winds and a divider made of concrete blocks fell onto the tenant's windshield, hood, and roof causing at least $2500 in damages on a recently purchased used car. Fortunately, no one was nearby or injured. The home was recently inspected both privately and by the city and no issues with the divider were noted. I immediately felt that the owner (ie my LLC) would be liable, but the property management company and our insurance company do not feel that it is the owner's fault. The tenant also does not have car insurance (which is illegal and a misdemeanor in my state) which would ordinarily cover this. I initially felt that I would therefore cover the cost of the windshield to help put but the damage to the frame requires more body work to make the car safe and that would cost at least $2500. Meanwhile, our homeowners insurance for the property has closed the file stating that we are not at fault and they will defend us to the full extent of the law. When notified of this, the tenant actually went to the place of business of the property management company and attacked one employee and smashed a computer. They now want her evicted which is a separate problem. I am curious how people would handle the damage to the vehicle as this is a very sticky and terrible situation four months into being a new residential real estate investor. I never post on social media but I am desperate for more input. Thanks.
