Saalro

iTrader: (8)

I wasn't in the car and my car was hit, i got the guys details and put a claim in with my insurer thinking as it isn't my fault my insurance won't go up.

I did some quotes for a second car and found out it has gone up even though it wans't my fault.

The damage to my car is going to cost 300+ easy, in fact with a replacement bumper over £500+.

If i was to call the guys insurance company direct, would this be classed as a claim i have to note down?

The guy won't pay me cash, i can't afford it and i don't want my premium to go up.

Thanks

Tony@Greenlight

Hi Sam,

You will still need to report the incident to your Insurer, but if you're not intending to claim under their policy for the damage tell your Insurer that you're reporting the claim 'for information purposes only'.

Whilst any incident like this will be regarded as material information by all Insurers, another reason for reporting to your Insurer (even if you claim directly from the responsible party) is that the third party/Insurer is likely to list the incident upon the claims and underwriting exchange (CUE) database.

CUE is a central database Insurers use to validate the claim/incident detail declared by customers, which could lead to you being highlighted for non disclosure.

With regard to getting the car repaired, the third party Insurer will have a 'first response' team who are there to intervene and help people who have experienced damage as a result of one of their policyholders causing damage to other parties (in this case, you).

I would suggest calling the responsible party's Insurer, ask for their claims department and explain that you've been hit by one of their policyholders.

If the other guy hasn't reported the incident already they will contact their client for verification of the incident.

Once confirmed they will either direct you to one of their own approved repairers (who will usually provide a courtesy car to you), or will request an estimate for repair from you. Or, if you have a repairer in mind that you normally use (who isn't an approved repairer) you would need to follow the estimate route.

If they request an estimate they will organise an inspection of your vehicle by a qualified engineer who will then authorise the repairs.

By dealing directly with the responsible party's Insurer there would be no policy excess to pay.

Should there be a problem with the other party's Insurer refusing to deal with the claim, which is only likely to arise where their policyholder denies the incident, you could always fall back upon claiming via your own policy - but you would have to pay your policy excess.

Let me know how it goes, but if you're stuck or need advice simply PM/post.

Kind regards

Tony

PS. Most specialist Insurers will not increase premiums for non-fault incidents or windscreen claims, but if they do, give Greenlight a call as our preferentially rated schemes have never loaded non-fault incidents where recovery is made

Saalro

iTrader: (8)

Thanks for the information.

I'm slightly confused about the excesss though.

What i have done so far is call my insurance company and claim through them, as far as i'm aware, i thought as long as he admits liability, then there is no costs that i have to pay? His insurance will cover all the costs?

Thanks

craigo

iTrader: (1)

because your insured third party mate. you got to pay your excess in any event.
sad but true. you have to pay even though not your fault im afraid.

Saalro

iTrader: (8)

I'm fully comp, does this make a difference. I'll just cancel the claim if i have an excess to pay it isn't worth it.

Thanks

craigo

iTrader: (1)

if other bloke admits it was his fault you will pay nothing. even if he was third party. your insurance co can answer all this for you mate !

Tony@Greenlight

Hi Sam,

You will only have to pay an excess if you claim for damage to your vehicle under your own comprehensive cover policy.

If you're claiming directly from the Insurer of the guy that hit you there would be no excess to pay, but if you're going through your own Insurer (rather than directly through his) it's likely you would have to pay your excess (usually collected by the repairer).

Any excess paid can be recovered from his Insurer, which can be done by either using any Uninsured loss recovery/legal expenses policy that you have. Or by contacting his Insurer directly armed with the receipt for any excess that you have paid.

Your Insurer would also seek recovery of their outlay from his Insurer and the claim would remain outstanding (with your NCB reduced if it isn't protected) until they recover their costs from his Insurer.

Kind regards

Tony

Saalro

iTrader: (8)

Thanks

Tony@Greenlight

No problem Sam,

I hope it all goes well for you, but if you need any further assistance simply PM or post.

Kind regards

Tony