Oh nash I'm so sorry to hear this has happened.
Nash it is my understanding that this is case: your insurers may then seek to recover their costs from the Council if they feel the Council has been at fault. A successful recovery by your insurers will mean that your premiums and any no claim discounts are unlikely to be affected.
Double check before claiming that this is the case.
Personally I would try the route of claiming the council first but I would phone my insurance and let them know your intentions and that you will be in further contact if the council refuse your claim.
This link may be of use in where you could make a claim online if this your council, if not your local council will have similar links but here is the link for South Lanarkshire
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/...st_third_party and see where that takes you.
Nash I would not pay out as the council might dispute your claim therefore their is no guarantee of getting any money owed to you. I suspect that the council will do everything to avoid making this a easy claim and try and put obstacles in your way.
Good luck with whatever route you take.