Car Insurance - this cant be right surely

glark

Hi, Hopefully someone maybe able to help. I had my Landrover stolen at the beginning of Jan 11. It was recovered by the police and had been used to try and break into a farm. The insurance engineer looked at the car and has come back and said because of lack of damage to the steering column it couldnt have been driven without a key - the insurance have refused to payout on this basis. Ive contacted 2 Landrover specialists and both have said (and are willing to verify) that cars of this age can be broken into and stolen with a house key and a screwdriver. They also have said that what the thieves do is get a no. of keys from similar cars and more than likely 1 will start the car (its a Landrover Defender 1996 - no alarm/immobiliser - one up from a tractor!). Ive been saddled with recovery and storage costs of the car and had to buy a replacement vehicle for my business - all at considerable cost. I tried to get insurance for this replacement vehicle and was told that the insurance company has taken 4 years no claim discount off me also - which is strange because as I understand it a claim has to be paid out for them to remove a no claims discount ? Can they be right in what theyre doing ? Help ?!!

Quote

It doesn't sound right. Was it the cheapest insurance you could find?

raskazz

Did you buy the car from new? If not, how many sets of keys did the seller pass on to you and how many sets do you still have in your possession?

lisyloo

I agree it doesn't sound right.
Start a formal complain in line with their procedure.
I would send it recorded delivery for an additional 74p (so they can't say they didn't get it).

You also have recourse to an independe ombudsman after 8 weeks or if you can't agree.
You might want to mention that you are aware of your rights in this respect as it may make them take you a bit more seriously.

glark

Hi, Tks for the replies. Bought it for 4k was insured thro broker. Had 2 sets of keys when it what stolen - police happy with everything and are still investigating due to Hants and Wilts rife with Defenders being nicked. Have even spoke to the coppa involved and he cant believe what they are doing. The no claims bonus was just funny !! Have filed complaint with them and am gonna hand all to Ombudsman. Just good to hear that people dont think Im in the wrong. Got the car back now and there is damage - the drivers door has been almost ripped off and there is damage to the steering column

Gandalfthesecond

glark wrote: »

Got the car back now and there is damage - the drivers door has been almost ripped off and there is damage to the steering column

What's the damage? Is the plastic cowling and ignition barrel still in tact?