Don't let them win!
Discussion
So, I had a policy with a well known insurer for a commercial vehicle last year. My business partner was driving one day and someone behind realised she had missed her junction, swung over 2 lanes and clipped the back of our van.
She admitted fault, exchanged details and both parties went on their way. We then contacted the insurer to make the claim and heard nothing more about it. I chased by email on numerous occasions (I always prefer things like this is writing). Fast forward to our renewal and a subsequently ridiculous quote, it transpired the fault went down as 50/50 as the other party denied everything and there were no witnesses / dashcams present.
This not only affected THIS policy but also my own car and bike insurance policies as I was the policyholder. I contacted the insurer and insisted the claim was re-opened and investigated properly. In all fairness to them, they have done just that and now found that the fault lied 100% with the other driver. Furthermore, they have provided an official letter to pass on to our current insurers stating that the claim is now a non fault. They also refunded our excess and sent a £300 compensation payment by means of an apology.
I imagine a lot of people will just accept a situation similar to ours and continue to pay high premiums so this is just an advice post really. Should you ever find yourself in a similar situation, fight them all the way and you might just come out on top.
She admitted fault, exchanged details and both parties went on their way. We then contacted the insurer to make the claim and heard nothing more about it. I chased by email on numerous occasions (I always prefer things like this is writing). Fast forward to our renewal and a subsequently ridiculous quote, it transpired the fault went down as 50/50 as the other party denied everything and there were no witnesses / dashcams present.
This not only affected THIS policy but also my own car and bike insurance policies as I was the policyholder. I contacted the insurer and insisted the claim was re-opened and investigated properly. In all fairness to them, they have done just that and now found that the fault lied 100% with the other driver. Furthermore, they have provided an official letter to pass on to our current insurers stating that the claim is now a non fault. They also refunded our excess and sent a £300 compensation payment by means of an apology.
I imagine a lot of people will just accept a situation similar to ours and continue to pay high premiums so this is just an advice post really. Should you ever find yourself in a similar situation, fight them all the way and you might just come out on top.
Many years ago I was hit by a car when I was on my motorbike. (Wasn't injured.) She admitted it was her fault as she changed her mind in the middle of the round-a-bout and hadn't seen me.
Next I hear is she told her insurers it was all my fault. Insurance companies agreed it was 50/50 as we didn't get statements from any witnesses. I wanted to take it further, but without evidence it was my word against her's.
So even if the other party admits fault, it's best to get as much evidence as possible.
Next I hear is she told her insurers it was all my fault. Insurance companies agreed it was 50/50 as we didn't get statements from any witnesses. I wanted to take it further, but without evidence it was my word against her's.
So even if the other party admits fault, it's best to get as much evidence as possible.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff