Neighbour's car fire has become my nightmare

MY neighbour's car was set alight maliciously or caught light by accident. My car was parked next to it and also caught fire.

The fire brigade and police were called and I was provided with a crime number. The problem now is with my insurer.

They initially were helpful, having my car uplifted and a courtesy car delivered. But they now say it is uneconomical to repair my car - it will be written off and I will receive the market value.

In the meantime they've cancelled my policy, which means I am unable to drive any car.

Also, they're awaiting a response from the third party whose car was on fire as to liability to see if I can claim their insurance rather than my own, including £150 excess.

Insurers suggested they might reimburse a hire car for me. I'm hesitant to do this in case they don't.

I will lose my no claims bonus, and my insurance will go up. Also, after paying almost £5000 for my Fiat Punto, I suspect I'll receive nowhere near that. On the value of the car, it is always in the power of insurers to offer this and need not relate to what you paid for the car if they can justify it from a professional price guide.

On a claim against the third party, this will only work if they were negligent in causing or failing to prevent the fire.

As for your next insurance policy, it is up to insurers how they set their rule and rates.

Anyone taking on a new policy should read it carefully to see what will happen if they have a claim. Dispute over funeral bill

WE got a funeral bill for my father-in-law. We were abroad so another family member arranged it.

I am entitled to a discount from these undertakers as I work for an associated company.

However, after the final bill was sent, we got a letter from the funeral directors saying the discount should not have applied - but the branch manager said that it did. You should be able to rely on the word of the local manager, who may have apparent authority to make agreements, or at least to bind the firm in a contract.

You should get confirmation in writing from the manager and pass that to the head office. What are rights over home?

I have owned my own house now for four years. My partner was living in rented accommodation until six months ago, but he has now moved in with me. Once we are married, would he be entitled to half my house if we ever got divorced? No. It was not bought as a family home and, though he may get occupancy rights that prevent you throwing him out at your whim, he will not get a share of the house value. Who can take charge of will?

I WANT to make a will but don't know who to appoint as my executor. I don't get on with immediate family but I presume a blood relative takes precedence? You can choose who you like as executor. It does not need to be the same person as gets a share of your estate. It certainly doesn't need to be a relative. You can pick a trusted friend - but check in advance they are prepared to be appointed - or a solicitor, accountant or any adult.

DO YOU HAVE A LEGAL PROBLEM? Write to Austin at Evening Times Features, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB or e-mail him at features@eveningtimes. co.uk (putting Austin Lafferty in the subject field). It's the Law, by Austin Lafferty (Tottel: £9.99) is now on sale