Car Insurance - some advice post claim

WildWayz

Last Friday a drunk driver crashed into a flatbed recovery truck and shunted it into our car, then he legged it. Our neighbour chased him and held him until the police arrived. He never gave the police a sample, so he is off to court on 31st December.

In the mean time, I have to pay £200 excess which I would like back! The insurance company said that I will get it back once the Admission of Liability has been cast on the drunk driver. Should I tell them when the court case is? Is there anyway for me to check the results of the court case?

My car is a Nissan Almera Tino Twister 02 plate, 74,000 miles. The damage cause was a deep/sharp dent to the boot door, rear bumber has been dislodged/pushed out and there is scratching to the front bumber (quite deep). The boot has to be slammed hard to shut it, otherwise it wont close. Wonder if they'll write it off
(Hope so - looking to get a new car anway!). Police reckon just the dent will be £700 to fix.

Any idea how long it would take to get the excess back?
Should I tell the insurer when the court case is, and what court he is being heard at?
What would the write off limit be?
How much do you think they'd give me if it WAS written off?

I know, loads of questions!

Thanks!

James

Quentin

This will all take time - the "court case" won't be to establish liability for your claim, but a criminal charge against the drunk driver - but the driver's insurer may accept liability before then (or drag their heels until much later).

Assuming the drunk was insured, you could use a claim handler to deal with your claim, when there would be no excess to pay.

WildWayz

Thanks Quentin. The insurer is Hastings Direct and the underwriters are Equity Red Star, if that is of any help.