Insurance / Gap Insurance issue
Discussion
Cut a long story short, friend was involved in an accident a few months back where the car was hit from behind and written off - other party to blame.
Gap insurance was in place as was a relatively new car, under 2yrs old, but she's now posted the following on Facebook - thought the PH collective may have some advice on the matter...
I can confirm there was no damage to the car prior to the accident occuring.
"My car was written off in February and we are having a nightmare with our insurance and gap insurance, they still have not paid out, meanwhile I am paying for two cars. They are saying that my car had significant damage prior to the accident! It didn't it was like brand new, it was only 18months old. They are saying it had severe damage to the side which it did not when it left my drive, I have the photos I took just before it left. Anyone got any advice?"
Gap insurance was in place as was a relatively new car, under 2yrs old, but she's now posted the following on Facebook - thought the PH collective may have some advice on the matter...
I can confirm there was no damage to the car prior to the accident occuring.
"My car was written off in February and we are having a nightmare with our insurance and gap insurance, they still have not paid out, meanwhile I am paying for two cars. They are saying that my car had significant damage prior to the accident! It didn't it was like brand new, it was only 18months old. They are saying it had severe damage to the side which it did not when it left my drive, I have the photos I took just before it left. Anyone got any advice?"
Northern_Monkey said:
Cut a long story short, friend was involved in an accident a few months back where the car was hit from behind and written off - other party to blame.
Gap insurance was in place as was a relatively new car, under 2yrs old, but she's now posted the following on Facebook - thought the PH collective may have some advice on the matter...
I can confirm there was no damage to the car prior to the accident occuring.
"My car was written off in February and we are having a nightmare with our insurance and gap insurance, they still have not paid out, meanwhile I am paying for two cars. They are saying that my car had significant damage prior to the accident! It didn't it was like brand new, it was only 18months old. They are saying it had severe damage to the side which it did not when it left my drive, I have the photos I took just before it left. Anyone got any advice?"
So, what your friend is actually saying is that whilst it has been 'written off' in her mind, it hasn't yet been written off as far as the insurer is concerned? There is still a claim pending, no?Gap insurance was in place as was a relatively new car, under 2yrs old, but she's now posted the following on Facebook - thought the PH collective may have some advice on the matter...
I can confirm there was no damage to the car prior to the accident occuring.
"My car was written off in February and we are having a nightmare with our insurance and gap insurance, they still have not paid out, meanwhile I am paying for two cars. They are saying that my car had significant damage prior to the accident! It didn't it was like brand new, it was only 18months old. They are saying it had severe damage to the side which it did not when it left my drive, I have the photos I took just before it left. Anyone got any advice?"
Therefore, until the insurance company writes the car off and pays out, it really isnt anything to do with the GAP underwriter. Nothing to do with the GAP underwriter. They only pay out when the car is declared a total loss by the insurer.
But why should your friend spoil a good 'nasty GAP company' story with the truth?
Northern_Monkey said:
The car had been written off by the insurer and they were awaiting payment but the insurer is now claiming that other damage to the car has reduced its value, with the gap insurance saying it will no longer cover the extra.
Is that because the 'extra' exceeds the claim limit of the GAP policy? I don't remember there being any T&C's on the condition of the car on our RTI policies, just that it covered up to a fixed sum for a period of 5 years that was not met by my Insurance company pay out on the vehicles which we have a market value type insurance policy.Edited by shep1001 on Friday 17th April 08:54
Let's assume for a moment her insurer is correct. There was pre existing damage.
GAP insurance is to cover the difference between the market value as paid by insurers and either what she owes on finance, or the original cost price, or whatever her GAP policy was covering. It isn't there to cover the difference between a reduced total loss value not based on market value but based on the value of a damaged car, and the outstanding finance etc. So in the circumstances I think the GAP insurers are quite right not to pay.
If her insurers are wrong and there was no pre existing damage, she needs to have that fight with them. If she wins that battle, then the GAP insurers will honour their policy.
GAP insurance is to cover the difference between the market value as paid by insurers and either what she owes on finance, or the original cost price, or whatever her GAP policy was covering. It isn't there to cover the difference between a reduced total loss value not based on market value but based on the value of a damaged car, and the outstanding finance etc. So in the circumstances I think the GAP insurers are quite right not to pay.
If her insurers are wrong and there was no pre existing damage, she needs to have that fight with them. If she wins that battle, then the GAP insurers will honour their policy.
pork911 said:
OP she has you to 'confirm' no pre-existing damage and photos she took just before it left her drive (strange - why were those pictures taken?)
what exactly is this severe damage to the side and how does she say it's related to the accident and nothing else?
She had photos as she'd taken some of the damage from the accident herself. In terms of the damage to the side, insurance company won't say what it is and says it can't provide images.what exactly is this severe damage to the side and how does she say it's related to the accident and nothing else?
Northern_Monkey said:
pork911 said:
OP she has you to 'confirm' no pre-existing damage and photos she took just before it left her drive (strange - why were those pictures taken?)
what exactly is this severe damage to the side and how does she say it's related to the accident and nothing else?
She had photos as she'd taken some of the damage from the accident herself. In terms of the damage to the side, insurance company won't say what it is and says it can't provide images.what exactly is this severe damage to the side and how does she say it's related to the accident and nothing else?
The OP could be read that she took pics before it left her drive, previous to the accident, which seemed odd.
REALIST123 said:
For clarity, are you saying that after the accident the car was taken back to her drive and when it left there it had no side damage, but now it does?
The OP could be read that she took pics before it left her drive, previous to the accident, which seemed odd.
It was driveable and brought home after the accident before being collected by insuranceThe OP could be read that she took pics before it left her drive, previous to the accident, which seemed odd.
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