The purpose of this online guide is to explain the options open to you and the help and assistance that is available to you to ensure that your claim is dealt with in the most appropriate way.

The motor insurance industry has gone through many changes in the past years, not least in the area of non-fault, third party, claims. There are currently a number of systems and protocols in place agreed with the insurers ‘trade body’ – the ABI (Association of British Insurers) to ensure that claimants receive a high level of service, have their rights explained to them and enable them, through the agreements in place , to mitigate their losses – keeping the costs fair and reasonable.

As a result of these changes mentioned above many leading insurance companies are now pro-active in the area of dealing with non-fault claims, that is to say they actually wish to deal with the claim from the outset, as if they were their own policyholder.

“The accident wasn’t my fault ”

ARE YOU SURE? Before the process can begin we need to clarify this very important point and obtain as much information about the claim as possible. Our staff can then discuss the issue of blame and liability with you along with the following various options.  We have many years of experience in motor claims and our staff come from various backgrounds within the motor industry.

OPTION 1

THE OTHER DRIVER/PARTY HAS OFFERED TO PAY A CASH SETTLEMENT

We hear this statement every day of the week. Although this sounds the ideal route, it very rarely works out in practice. Motor accident repairs can be a costly business and it is very difficult to determine the exact costs of the repairs at the outset as further damage may be found during the repair process involving more labour and parts.

We will gladly provide you with an estimate to repair the damage, but before we proceed with the repairs it is very important that we obtain accurate parts’ prices and explain to you how the estimate is built up so that you understand clearly the costs involved.

Also before the repairs begin you must ensure that you have the necessary cleared funds from the other party, never assume that they will pay for the repairs at a later date or that the cheque will clear, our staff can help advice you on this.

OPTION 2

CLAIMING DIRECT FROM THE OTHER PARTY’S INSURANCE

Once we have all the other party’s details and liability is established, we can then make the necessary arrangements to deal with their insurance company directly.

This is preferred route in most cases as it brings many benefits;

·         No impact upon your own policy, your no claims bonus is unaffected
·         No insurance excess to pay
·         Suitable replacement vehicle whilst yours is being repaired
·         No risk

In summary, the at-fault insurer will deal with you as if you were one of their own policyholders, their appointed engineer will inspect and authorise the repairs directly with us and you will have nothing to pay.

In most cases you should be provided with a suitable replacement vehicle to use, on a like-for-like basis.

This is undoubtedly the most effective solution in the vast majority of claims. With the change in attitudes over the past years we can ensure that the whole process runs smoothly.

We would also suggest this course of action where your vehicle is potentially or declared a total loss/un-economical to repair or if you are only insured third party fire and theft. All of the above benefits still apply.

OPTION 3

CLAIMING ON YOUR OWN POLICY

If you are insured comprehensively, then you can make the claim through your own policy and your insurance company will look to recover all the costs from the other party’s insurer at a later date. In cases where liability is not clear or the other party has not reported the claim, or will not admit fault, this may be the only course of action.

The disadvantages of this process are;

• You will have to pay your policy excess and claim it back

• It may affect your claim history/ no-claims bonus until settled

Your policy will normally entitle you to a group A courtesy car (Vauxhall Corsa/Renault Clio) whilst yours is being repaired, provided by ourselves (not all policies provide courtesy cars as standard). In certain circumstances we will be able to arrange for a more suitable like-for-like replacement vehicle. 

OPTION 4

CREDIT REPAIR/CREDIT HIRE

This process is slightly more complicated but, in essence, works as follows;

There are a number of specialist companies who operate these schemes. They will provide you with a credit facility over a pre-determined length of time to pay for the repairs to your vehicle and a replacement car.

They will have the repairs inspected and authorised by an independent engineer.

Once the repairs have been completed they will make the claim against the other party’s insurance company with the aim of having the account settled before you are responsible for the costs. Often these companies will have protocols in place with many insurers and will seek authority before they proceed, reducing any risk to yourself.

IMPORTANT

If you allow our staff to help you deal with the claim then remember that we will only deal with the vehicle damage element of your claim. If you have incurred other losses and or injuries you should seek independent advice and/or refer to your legal expenses insurer, insurance company, broker or solicitor.

CONCLUSION

The above is designed to give you a brief overview of the options open to you.

Our staff will be happy to discuss your individual claim in detail with you, to help and guide you through the process. Although complex, the majority of claims, if handled correctly should proceed with the minimum of problems and inconvenience.

If you would like to download a copy of this guide click here.