23 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

Yes, 

 

It's not just the claim though. They look on being involved in an accident, even if it wasn't your fault, as a factor in assessing the risk they underwrite. Not declaring a bump could be considered fraud. Even if they just refused to insure you, it could cost you thousands on future policies.

[KTS]

 

Thanks for the advice.

Both cars were driven home by their owner.
The third party got out and had a chat with the driver and all was good. Theres also dash cam footage for back up.
No insuranece is involved.... Yet.

The third party said we dont have to go through the insurance but when he gave that initial assessment quote of thousands it becomes a claim.
If it was 1500 quid from bobs body shop it might be worth considering.

If it becomes a third party but no claim from the insured driver i assume he'll be allowed just to repair it himself.

 

 

It's a potential minefield not involving your insurers for a third party claim. You're still under an obligation to declare the accident & it could invalidate your whole policy.

 

 

if you're referring to the declarations you make to insurers prior to taking out insurance i think you'll find that you have to declare any insurance claims you have made (..or have been made against your insurers) rather than accidents you have been involved in

 

if you have an accident there is no requirement to involve insurers; it's entirely up to those involved to decide how to settle any claims that may arise

[PoolGuy]

What anyone here says or thinks doesn’t matter. All that matters is what their policy/insurance schedule says. 

[wilsonch]

Never thought it could be such a minefield.
Although i know insurance companies will twist and bend any rules to suit themselves.

The third party has had a reasonable quote for a repair shop, so he is willing to do it 'off the books'. And the at fault driver is happy to repair himself.
Obviously even though the third party is not at fault, a claim would no doubt go on his record and may effect him in the future.

[PoolGuy]

Never thought it could be such a minefield.
Although i know insurance companies will twist and bend any rules to suit themselves.

The third party has had a reasonable quote for a repair shop, so he is willing to do it 'off the books'. And the at fault driver is happy to repair himself.
Obviously even though the third party is not at fault, a claim would no doubt go on his record and may effect him in the future.

Have they checked their policy to see if they’re required to inform the company of the accident?

[KTS]

Never thought it could be such a minefield.
Although i know insurance companies will twist and bend any rules to suit themselves.

The third party has had a reasonable quote for a repair shop, so he is willing to do it 'off the books'. And the at fault driver is happy to repair himself.
Obviously even though the third party is not at fault, a claim would no doubt go on his record and may effect him in the future.

 

 

....it needn't be;  the better informed you are about the service an insurer provides and understand the terms and conditions, the less likely you are to come off second best in the event of needing to make a claim.

[MatthewsDad]

Thanks for the advice.

Both cars were driven home by their owner.
The third party got out and had a chat with the driver and all was good. Theres also dash cam footage for back up.
No insuranece is involved.... Yet.

The third party said we dont have to go through the insurance but when he gave that initial assessment quote of thousands it becomes a claim.
If it was 1500 quid from bobs body shop it might be worth considering.

If it becomes a third party but no claim from the insured driver i assume he'll be allowed just to repair it himself.

It's a potential minefield not involving your insurers for a third party claim. You're still under an obligation to declare the accident & it could invalidate your whole policy.

if you're referring to the declarations you make to insurers prior to taking out insurance i think you'll find that you have to declare any insurance claims you have made (..or have been made against your insurers) rather than accidents you have been involved in

if you have an accident there is no requirement to involve insurers; it's entirely up to those involved to decide how to settle any claims that may arise

This isn't my understanding from recent personal experience. The question insurers ask when you take out a policy is something like 'have you been involved in an incident even if it didn't result in a claim '. A third party can lodge a claim against you at a later date - up to 2 years in some cases - irrespective of blame. Your insurer needs to know this. I got hit by a £50 hike in my premium after someone drove into my parked car. No damage to my car, and I wasn't even in it, but the other driver claimed for damage to their car and informed their insurer of my reg details. All the insurance providers are linked up and share information on claims history. Just saying as I would have agreed with you prior to my recent experience.

[Ethel]

It's not just about claims, it's about risk. Your driving history  is at least as valid as your age, job or the location you live in for assessing the risk they're underwriting.

[coopertaz]

first thing is you must inform insurer about any accident to protect yourself from future claims that may arise from third party but notify them you are not claiming. get your car home or onto your property so you control access to it by assesor, they may write off for only minor damage due to repair cost. then you control the car and can repair if you wish. have had cars written off like this in the past.

Another important thing is to insure your classic on a classic or modified policy so the car is valued at market value not the so called book price