Insurance claim questions?

My girlfriend just had a small accident in my car (98 Vectra), not a lot of
damage just front wing , bumper and indicator as far as I can tell. She is a
named driver on my policy but she also has her own insurance which covers
her to drive my car. My question is, do I claim on my policy or let her put
in a claim on hers? Also, the other car driver has admitted fault which I
have in writting, what is the best way of doing this so that I'm not out of
pocket with any excess charges?
Thanx Simon

 

Commonly (though getting less common these days) ones own policy includes
RTA (only) cover to drive other cars with owners permission. But in this
case, I definitely wouldn't even consider this (and it's probably inoperable
since Vectra's prime insurance was through you).

Instead, put it through your own insurance, and use the services of a
recovery agent/lawyer (which you'll already have if you paid that extra
tenner at last renewal). They will ensure you make a full recovery - so no
loss of NCD, no excess, misc costs recovered (phone calls etc) plus relief
car while yours is off road for repair. Their fees are added to the total
claim paid by the other guy's insurance.

But beware - if the other driver has admitted fault - and in writing - s/he
has probably broken a condition of his own insurance. So I would talk to
him about not revealing this "admission" - providing his insurance pays up
(i.e. he admits fault to his own insurers when submitting claim). And you
always have the written "confession" if he tries to avoid liability.

You need to end up with a "full recovery" - to safeguard your NCD in future.

Good luck - and let us know how it goes.

 

Thanx for your speedy reply Martin.
I have just spoken to the guy at fault and he has requested that I get a
quote for the repair, he is willing to pay without involving any insurance
company because it will apparently shoot his premiums through the roof (he
is a taxi driver apparently).
Would you advise on this or should I play it safe and claim through my
insurance company? I get a loan car through my insurance which would be
needed as I need my car for my business.

 

Always a bit weary of this.... 6 months down the line and something else
goes wrong with the
car (may be related) and you've no recourse. Similary, it might not be a
serious accident but
what if your girlfriend started getting neck pains in a month or so.... I'm
not saying it is gonna
happen but that is why you pay insurance in the first place right....

The other party has admitted liability so, play safe ! Do it through the
books so to speak.

 

Tricky - and JB has offered sound advice.

There's nothing to be gained by stuffing the guy (even if he is a cabby!)
but you need to know (a) that your repair will be to a high standard - i.e.
he doesn't get to insist you use "his mate" in a shed round the corner, and
(b) a relief car can be expensive, and so it may be reasonable for him to
provide this (cabbies are very well connected for this kind of thing!)
providing its suitable, reliable and insured for your business as well as
private use (can you see yourself in a fat 1980s diesel Merc for a few
days?!) (If you only need transport to and from work each day, maybe he'll
drive you! Or could you use the GF's car )

I think I'd be inclined to be open with him about your concerns (standard of
repair, unable to collect Vectra until repair bill paid etc) and see if he
can offer adequate reassurances. And I'd certainly get a quote, as he
suggests, to be sure cabby realises how much these things can cost these
days. He may be shocked.

Do you use an insurance broker? If so, this is where they can be really
helpful - talk to them. But if you insure direct, I see no reason for not
phoning your own insurers (strictly, you are obliged to tell them anyway,
even if no claim is made) without giving identity of 3rd party, to explain
that he wants to pay "privately", and how should you protect your position?
They may be quite helpful - especially if you get someone brighter than a
call centre operator.

You won't be able to get a spare car on your policy unless you put a formal
claim to them - at which point the cabby is facing big costs (assuming full
recovery) and will prob be better off claiming on his own insurance too. (I
assume you are certain he is properly insured...?)

In the ultimate, you really do need to protect your own position (and that
almost certainly includes keeping your insurers informed) - so if you can do
this while giving cabby the cheaper option, then fine. BTW, I've often
found cabbies tend not to get a heavy loading after an insurance claim -
they prob do 100kmpa and get claims often enough to have no NCB. But your
taxi driver may be different.

Keep making notes (timed and dated) of how this progresses, who says what to
whom etc.) just in case.

Sorry this is a bit waffley and not the most helpful answer in the world,
but protecting your position is more important than being "reasonable" with
the taxi driver - and sadly some people's promises aren't worth the paper
they're not written on...

 

First of all I doubt her insurance will cover damage to your car.

secondly - if the driver admits liability to his/her own insurer, and they
in turn admit liability to you (they would send a letter to you on their
clients behalf- you can claim direct off the perpetrator without your
company paying a bean.)

Either way you will need your quotes for the damage to send off to whoever

Thirdly - you car is probably not technically roadworthy with the damage you
describe, and you will have to address this problem whatever else you do.

 

Thanx for your replies guys, all make perfect sense to me.
R Murphy, you are right with the front indicator sitting on the passenger
seat the car probably isn't road worthy.
I will go the insurance claim route.
Many thanx all

 

Had excellent experience recently with AutoAssist in Hull.

My Vectra got hit whilst parked up on my drive - a tesco delivery
van trying to turn round in neighbours drive. Fortunately I had cctv
as Tesco constantly tried to deny it!

AutoAssist provided me with a loan car, liaised with my insurer and
Tesco's insurer and finally got it sorted (took them 3 months!). In
the meantime, I had a loan car for one week, whilst mine was collected,
taken to the body shop, fully repaired and returned to me

Would recommend contacting them - they took a lot of hassle out of
a nightmare for me and cost me nothing in money or no claims bonus.

No idea on contact numbers but a google or yell should show them up

Good luck!


MS

 

i've got a different tale


had a taxi driver(private hire) reverse into the wifes punto last year,
nothing major at all scuffed bumper with a slight ding, luckily enough i
know a spraypainter(friend of the family) similar to you cabby didnt want
to go the insurance route,
The guy was brand new spoke to my sprayer m8 quoted me circa 100 quid to
repair was a bit cheeky phoned the cab driver 320 quid sorted cash in hand
20 minutes l had 400 quid thrust in my hand along with a disclaimer
absolving him from all liability needless to say i made him a brew and
signed away


dont be too hasty to discount his offer taxi drivers can and do make a lot
of money, and some have more than the insurance co to worry about(ie is it
his car or is it a taxi operators car(you claim it prolly comes out his
wages along with loss of earnings while they fix it

get a quote or 2 and give him a phone

 

Hi,

Here' my 2 penneth worth.

Just had a very similar situation, other party admitted liability to their
insurers. My insurers wanted to know that the accident had taken place, but
because I was third party fire and theft they would not help me and advised
I contact his insurers directly. I did this and they arranged for hire car,
repairs etc.

You must tell your insurers that you have had an accident - if not, and they
find out, your insurance will be invalidated.

The Taxi driver needs to tell his insurance company as well - he is taking a
bigger risk than just increased insurance premiums.

Chris

 

I think it is part of terms and conditions that you do this anyhow, but
AFAIK, it shouldnt affect your premiums unless a claimis made against your
policy.

Mike