Car Insurance Claim

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 22 Sep 2006, 15:31

Hey everyone,

Well it had to happen! Some idiot decided I didn't exist and pulled out and into the side of my car on the way to work last week!

Anyway here's what I wanna know:

Although I'm making a claim, will I still gain my 1st year's No Claims Discount (if or not he admits liability)?

Secondly; Is my premium likely to increase as a result of his stupidity?

Any help would be appreicated.

Cheers,

thehappyotter · Post by **thehappyotter** » 22 Sep 2006, 15:42

As far as I know, if it's shown to be the other parties fault then you still get to keep your no claims, the claiming is done from their insurers.

If it's 50-50 or your fault then you'll lose it and premiums will probably go up as a result.

If your no claims are protected then you'll probably be ok either way.

If they admit causing the damage and it's pretty minor you could sort it out without going through insurers.

Were there any witnesses and did the police attend? They will be able to give an independant view of what happened.

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 22 Sep 2006, 16:00

The damage to my car is fairly significant but no beyond repair as far as I can see. I'll probably need a new driver's door and a bit of work doing to the bodywork behind the door.

I do have a witness who is saying its the other partie's fault and most people I speak to agree that theres no way he can say it wasn't his fault (though I always say 'its an insurance claim - people say all sorts!').
The police did not attend and no injuries were caused.

Should this incident cause a hike in my premium or loss of my NCD (which is unprotected) I may well look into taking him to court over it.

Cheers,

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 22 Sep 2006, 17:10

Hi Andy,

I used to work in car insurance claims, so may be some help to you.

I'm guessing you have reported the accident to your insurers. Once you explain to them what has happened, they should start pressuring the other guys insurance to pay out.

Hopefully their insurance company offers a service called "Third Party Proactive" which is where their insurance company repairs your car and provides you with a courtesy car. This saves alot of trouble and doesnt cost you a thing.

You shouldnt have to pay any excess as this isnt your fault. Get your witness details to the insurance company and you should be laughing.

Good luck,

Robin

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 22 Sep 2006, 17:25

Robin,

The incident was reported last week and my car is due on the 16th October to be assessed by the insurance company's authorised repairer.
After that I will hear when it has to be taken back for the repairs to begin.
I paid a little extra on the policy to ensure I have a courtesy car during the repair period.

Witness details have been provided to my insurance company.

I have to pay a Â£500 excess to the garage upon completion and collection of my car however I am told I will get this back if the other driver admits liability.

Does anyone know the procedure or if it will even be worth considering sueing him if my premium skyrockets or I lose my NCD?

Cheers,

thehappyotter · Post by **thehappyotter** » 22 Sep 2006, 17:33

I can't imagine you'd have a case for damages.

The matter of increased premiums is between you and your insurers and will no doubt be well written into the small print when you signed up for the policy.

There was no intention of the other party to cause your premiums to go up and his only liability will be for the damage to your car.

However, i'm sure if it's proved to be the other parties fault then you have nothing to worry about anyway. They will pay. That's the reason you must have at least third party insurance.

I'm not great on civil law but imagine that to be how it works.

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 22 Sep 2006, 19:21

Ok thanks for that everyone I'll let you all know how it goes!

Cheers,