Can you challenge an insurance companies decision?

DiggerG · 17th February 2011, 05:29 PM

Flatmate had a bump in his car a few months ago.

Went into the back of someone at no more than 5 miles an hour in the ice and snow.

No damage what so ever to the other car (not visible anyhoo) and a very slight scuff on his bumper.

Despite discussing this fact with the woman, they swapped insurance details as per the norm.

Then after hearing nothing at all until now, turns out she is claiming for rear end damage and injury.

Flatmate disputed her claim so the insurers came out and took photos etc... (months after the bump)

Turns out they are going to pay out on her so called damages (not the injuries tho) , so he will lose his no claims, plus a hefty insurance hike.

Although he admits bumping her, can he dispute the amount of damage she is claiming for as he is adamant her car was untouched after the incident.

parm · 17th February 2011, 05:39 PM

No they are judge , jury and executioner - dont blame the players blame the game

Flavonoids · 17th February 2011, 05:44 PM

I doubt it - insurance companies seem quite happy to claim off each other and shuffle money about. She'll have given the details of the incident to the insurance and they'll have pursued the claim - she possibly hasn't insisted they claim over nowt, they're happy enough to do that anyway.

I suppose you could get an independent assessor in, but that'd cost and would probably do no good anyway if there is damage (now that wasn't there then, but you can't prove that).

DiggerG · 17th February 2011, 05:48 PM

If i ever have a bump i'll be taking dated and timed photgraphs of any damage.

She is taking the piss and pulling a fast one.

God knows how the insurance companies have attributed any level of damage to her car with the scuff on his car.

Les the Scientist · 17th February 2011, 05:48 PM

Always take photos... first rule of crashing your car

Windypants · 17th February 2011, 05:50 PM

Hi,

Yes, you can appeal against a decision. What you have to decide is whether it's worth the effort though.

Your insurer should provide you with a form for you to appeal their decision. The form is usually pretty complicated, so it's worth finding out how much you're likely to be out of pocket before you appeal and balance this against time and hassle.

tunstall birdman · 17th February 2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parm

No they are judge , jury and executioner - dont blame the players blame the game

Sadly this is the way. Years ago I pulled across a junction but this lass driving was flying at about 55 in a 30 zone so clobbered me in the side of my car at the back. I knew she had right of way regardless of her speed, but the damage on her car was just a little bit of a side bumper came off so i offered to replace it she said ok. Phones me back later and said her boyfriend would take it to his mates garage and get a price check. She got in touch again and said there was £700 damage but if I give her £500 to settle it without going through the insurance. I knew she was taking the piss the car was a shitter and apart from the bumper no damage so said I will just go through the insurance. At this point she started calling me all the names under the sun. I got witnesses who saw that she was speeding and was infact looking in the glove department when she hit me but she had right of way and my company said she would win regardless.

DiggerG · 17th February 2011, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windypants

Hi,

Yes, you can appeal against a decision. What you have to decide is whether it's worth the effort though.

Your insurer should provide you with a form for you to appeal their decision. The form is usually pretty complicated, so it's worth finding out how much you're likely to be out of pocket before you appeal and balance this against time and hassle.

Long term we're talking hundreds if not thousands..

Insurance premium to go up from £31 to £51 a month.

Assuming it was to stay the same and not go up again in the next 5 years (not likely) thats an extra £1200 just to start.

It's ridiculous.

Flavonoids · 17th February 2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiggerG

Long term we're talking hundreds if not thousands..

Insurance premium to go up from £31 to £51 a month.

Assuming it was to stay the same and not go up again in the next 5 years (not likely) thats an extra £1200 just to start.

It's ridiculous.

Which is why there's protected no claims - they make up front but you don't lose down the line if you twat someone. It's all about deciding which is the best option for you - pay for something you may never need or use or take the chance you never have an accident.

DiggerG · 17th February 2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flavonoids

Which is why there's protected no claims - they make up front but you don't lose down the line if you twat someone. It's all about deciding which is the best option for you - pay for something you may never need or use or take the chance you never have an accident.

They are protected, 9 years is what he has, but they will only protect 3 of them, and he isn't eligible to protect them again for another 4 years.

This is a matter also under dispute