Classic insurance claim
Discussion
This query might be better in general gassing but since it applies to classic cars I thought I’d try here!
I’ve found a body shop who have good reviews and plenty of detail on their website. When I visited today I was impressed not only with their operation but also with their attitude.
In short, I’m confident that they’ll do an excellent job of the, admittedly small, accident work my classic needs.
My only problem is they don’t do insurance work. They’re happy to provide a written quote and the insurance co. are happy for me to use my own garage.
What do you think my chances are of getting them to pay the money directly to me? It’s a relatively small claim of less than £1000 and I could afford to pay the bill myself initially. I do understand how insurance company’s like to deal directly with the garage to avoid fraud.
Has anyone managed to use this route?
I’ve found a body shop who have good reviews and plenty of detail on their website. When I visited today I was impressed not only with their operation but also with their attitude.
In short, I’m confident that they’ll do an excellent job of the, admittedly small, accident work my classic needs.
My only problem is they don’t do insurance work. They’re happy to provide a written quote and the insurance co. are happy for me to use my own garage.
What do you think my chances are of getting them to pay the money directly to me? It’s a relatively small claim of less than £1000 and I could afford to pay the bill myself initially. I do understand how insurance company’s like to deal directly with the garage to avoid fraud.
Has anyone managed to use this route?
Sorry Stuart, no experience of this, but for a small claim I'd be tempted not to go through the insurers at all and just pay the shop direct. Depending on excess and the potential loss of your no claims, it might not work out too much more and you'd know the work will be done to a decent standard by someone you trust.
Hope it gets done well however you choose to go though.
Hope it gets done well however you choose to go though.
I had a similar problem some years ago; the main stumbling block was that the insurance company wanted (needed?) a VAT invoice to pay against and I obviously couldn't give them that. Bodyshop could only make the invoice out to me as I was the one paying for it. Ended up at a different bodyshop.
Turbobanana said:
Sorry Stuart, no experience of this, but for a small claim I'd be tempted not to go through the insurers at all and just pay the shop direct. Depending on excess and the potential loss of your no claims, it might not work out too much more and you'd know the work will be done to a decent standard by someone you trust.
Hope it gets done well however you choose to go though.
∆∆∆∆ This!Hope it gets done well however you choose to go though.
For that kind of money you would be better off just sucking it up yourself.
I had a very similar situation myself with the Jarama - paintwork damage to the front and a smashed screen; all from someone else hitting the motorway centre barrier on the opposite carriageway. Insurance paid for the screen replacement and I paid for the paintwork - wasn't worth the insurance claim being on my records for 5 years!
Update, I had a phone call today from the insurance company and they’re happy to go down this road as it’s a classic car. They seemed to be very aware and understanding of my situation.
The irony is that today I received a quote from a classic car restoration company who are happy to go through insurance!
The irony is that today I received a quote from a classic car restoration company who are happy to go through insurance!
Appreciate I am late to the party on this one but thought I’d comment as it may help others.
Having been a insurance claims handler and now inspector for the last 20 years, you will find insurers have their own preferences on how to deal with repairs but it shouldn’t be forced upon you.
If you have any doubts in the repairer of choice you are entitled to source an alternative. Inform the insurer you wish to settle on a cash in lieu basis. They should then issue payment in the name of your repairer less the vat. When the repairs are completed send proof and they will then pay you the vat amount.
As with everything you get what you pay for in life. Get a classic car insurer - don’t scrimp and protect your pride and joy
Having been a insurance claims handler and now inspector for the last 20 years, you will find insurers have their own preferences on how to deal with repairs but it shouldn’t be forced upon you.
If you have any doubts in the repairer of choice you are entitled to source an alternative. Inform the insurer you wish to settle on a cash in lieu basis. They should then issue payment in the name of your repairer less the vat. When the repairs are completed send proof and they will then pay you the vat amount.
As with everything you get what you pay for in life. Get a classic car insurer - don’t scrimp and protect your pride and joy
stuartmmcfc said:
Update, I had a phone call today from the insurance company and they’re happy to go down this road as it’s a classic car. They seemed to be very aware and understanding of my situation.
The irony is that today I received a quote from a classic car restoration company who are happy to go through insurance!
Who are they? I think Name and Fame is OK.The irony is that today I received a quote from a classic car restoration company who are happy to go through insurance!
Well, like I said, it all went through very smoothly indeed and the money was paid into my account well before I had the work done.
The brokers were Classicline and it was insured through ageas.
Also a thumbs up for Reem machine of Ilkeston for a great job.
I decided not to hold the Wife too accountable for her mistake... yet
The brokers were Classicline and it was insured through ageas.
Also a thumbs up for Reem machine of Ilkeston for a great job.
I decided not to hold the Wife too accountable for her mistake... yet
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