Been in an accident. This is what i've done. Is it ok?

talk2alex

Hi all. Wonder if I may ask for some advice.

Long story short - I was in an accident yesterday. Someone drove into the back of me while I was waiting to turn right.

We swapped details, I've called my insurers, the OP has called hers. I'm with Admiral and they put me through to Albany Assist - BUT, after having read many many threads on them I've since cancelled that offer (as they sound like a nightmare)

So, OP is with Aviva. They've already called me to say that OP is admitting liability. Happy days.

Question is: I'm thinking it's best to now ring Aviva and let them deal with my claim/hire care and /or repairs if it's not a write-off. Are there any disadvantages to this? Admiral have already sent me an email to say that my NCB won't be affected as I've declined their offer. So, why doesn't everybody go through directly to the Third Parties insurance?

Have I made an error? Thanks in advance

BenL

I used the 3rd parties insurance company directly when someone ran into the back of me. The dealings went really well, they were with Zurich I think.

I did find my own solicitor for the personal injuries claim though, I didn't want a solicitor appointed by the 3rd party insurance company due to any conflict of interest.

Ben

Quentin

If no injury is involved and the third party insurer has offered to take care of everything and provide a courtesy car, and you are happy with the garage they want to use, then there is really no downside.

But if you want to claim for personal injury, you would be better getting your own claim handler to deal with the third party.

Lum

I've always been a bit nervous about going through the third parties insurance, since their main motivation would be to reduce their outlay, not make sure you are properly looked after or that your car is properly repaired. That said plenty of people have reported good experiences.

Another option available would be to get an independent claims company to manage it for you. There are outfits like HelpHire and these days most breakdown companies offer their own "Accident Management" service.

You are correct to not go through your own insurer. While dealing with the likes of Helphire is just as annoying and frustrating as dealing with your insurer or the 3rd party insurer, there are two main advantages.

1) Your NCB doesn't end up in limbo while the claim drags on
2) These 3rd party companies don't have the right to write your car off unless you agree to it.

Quentin

Lum wrote: »

2) These 3rd party companies don't have the right to write your car off unless you agree to it.

No one will pay for uneconomic repairs.

talk2alex

Cracking, thanks.

I'd thought about one of these accident management guys. But then I thought - if I go direct through the third-party, they are going to want to get everything over and done with asap. My insurance are going to want to drag it on forever, so i've left them out the picture.

As the accident management companies are after profit - will they not want to drag it out too for their own benefit? do they have any power in doing this?

The OP's insurer has offered me a hire car and i believe I won't have to sign any 'credit-hire' agreements, which I definitely don't want to do... so I'm thinking I should take them up on the offer

neilmcl

Take them up on the offer but make sure you get a like-for-like vehicle off them and also ensure that you get your car repaired at a repairers of your choosing.

Lum

neilmcl wrote: »

Take them up on the offer but make sure you get a like-for-like vehicle off them and also ensure that you get your car repaired at a repairers of your choosing.

This, a thousand times this.

"Insurance Approved" = doesn't cost the insurance quite so much money, not "does a good job".

dacouch

Lum wrote: »

This, a thousand times this.

"Insurance Approved" = doesn't cost the insurance quite so much money, not "does a good job".

In fairness Helphire and the like tend to pick garages that pay them the best commission and give the longest credit period. They generally receive between 5% and 15% of the repair cost.

colino

I'd just add well done for having someone run into the back of you and not claim you were at fault!

Lum

dacouch wrote: »

In fairness Helphire and the like tend to pick garages that pay them the best commission and give the longest credit period. They generally receive between 5% and 15% of the repair cost.

Like I said Helphire are just as annoying as dealing with the insurance company.

I would always insist on my own garage.