Insurance company wants to settle 50:50 - what do I do?
Discussion
I was involved in an accident last September. I am adamant that a bus failed to stop for a red light, and clipped the back of my van as I went through the lights on green.
There were two policemen in an unmarked Focus at the junction, and they claimed not to have seen the accident - fair enough, I wouldn't want the paperwork. I had assumed there were CCTV cameras at the junction, although there apparently aren't. I'd also assume the bus has cameras fitted, but I've no way of finding out.
At the end of the day, I'm sure it wasn't my fault, but have no way to prove this. My insurance company (big, well known. My van is insured for hire and reward), called me today to say they wanted to settle 50:50, and asked if that was ok. It goes against the grain to admit any liability at all, but is this worth making a fuss over?
There were two policemen in an unmarked Focus at the junction, and they claimed not to have seen the accident - fair enough, I wouldn't want the paperwork. I had assumed there were CCTV cameras at the junction, although there apparently aren't. I'd also assume the bus has cameras fitted, but I've no way of finding out.
At the end of the day, I'm sure it wasn't my fault, but have no way to prove this. My insurance company (big, well known. My van is insured for hire and reward), called me today to say they wanted to settle 50:50, and asked if that was ok. It goes against the grain to admit any liability at all, but is this worth making a fuss over?
I'd like to make a fuss, but I'm not sure what the point is? What do I lose by accepting 50:50, and what do I stand to gain by making a fuss? I'm quite busy, and if there's no tangible loss or gain to me, then I'd be inclined to roll over. I've enough battles to fight at work and home, without adding another one!
Right. Maybe worth a fight then. The van renewal was about the same as it has been for ages - H&R, 3 drivers, 70k miles/year. It's always been between £1000 and £1200, for the 7 years I've been running a van.
The car's about £240 a year, with full NCB. If I lose all my NCB, what't that likely to go up to? I'm 40, it's a dull, but very comfortable 407SW Diesel Auto, an I live in a dull, but fairly comfortable area just outside Cheltenham. If it more than doubles, it's worth a fight.
I've been Adam Ant since last September!
The car's about £240 a year, with full NCB. If I lose all my NCB, what't that likely to go up to? I'm 40, it's a dull, but very comfortable 407SW Diesel Auto, an I live in a dull, but fairly comfortable area just outside Cheltenham. If it more than doubles, it's worth a fight.
I've been Adam Ant since last September!
Aye, the insurance company paid out to fix my van. I assume, because they're wanting to go 50:50, they'll pay for the injury claim made by the lying passenger on the bus, too? When the police in the unmarked car turned up, there was nothing wrong with her. When the uniformed lot turned up, she claimed to be in agony with an injured knee.
I paid the excess, and the VAT on the repairs - which I claimed back. I didn't protect my NCB. It's not an option for me on the van, and I never thought to do it on the car. However, I've just checked the documents and I was paying £420, not £240. My new quote is just over £550. For the sake of £130, albeit for the next few years, I'm tempted to take the hit.
It's lazy, but I can't prove anything, and I value my time. Any more than half a day, and I'd be better off working than talking to a call centre.
I paid the excess, and the VAT on the repairs - which I claimed back. I didn't protect my NCB. It's not an option for me on the van, and I never thought to do it on the car. However, I've just checked the documents and I was paying £420, not £240. My new quote is just over £550. For the sake of £130, albeit for the next few years, I'm tempted to take the hit.
It's lazy, but I can't prove anything, and I value my time. Any more than half a day, and I'd be better off working than talking to a call centre.
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