Car Insurance claim - what should I do?

PabloNeruda

I had an unpleasant surprise today when a letter dropped on my doormat from a solicitors acting on behalf of a driver whose vehicle I had bumped into the back of on 16th November whilst doing the school run. First off, I naturally accept the error was mine, due to a momentary lapse in concentration. However at the time I thought nothing would happen as it was only a very minor 'bump' in a residential error, with virtually damage that I could see. We pulled over to the kerb and exchanged details.

The letter now is for a claim for compensation, as the accident was caused through my 'negligence'.

It says I......
1. Drove the vehicle without due care and attention
2. Failed to brake or steer clear of the claimant's vehicle so as to avoid the collision.
3. Failed to keep any, or any proper look out
4. Drove into the rear of the claimant's vehicle

It then goes on to say that the claimant sustained the following injuries...

Headaches
Strained neck muscles and soreness across the shoulders
Upper back pain
Soreness in both upper arms

However, it says he did not attend hospital.

The claimant is seeking expenses for vehicle damage, plus 'consequential loss' (is this loss of earnings? It was a taxi hire vehicle) and legal costs.

Naturally I'm really worried by this, the problem being that I am only insured 3rd party fire and theft.

Does anybody have advice as to what exactly I should do, and how much this may end up costing me?

I'm not being funny, but at the time it seemed such a minor incident that I cannot believe it has escalated this much.

gazza975526570

Well the four points they have accused you of are what has actually happened so no arguments there.

You need to report it to your insurance company. You should have done this anyway - irespective of wether you thought he would claim. GIve them a call if you havent already.

Cost wise - nothing, other than any loss of NCD (potentially claims loading)

Injuries - well isnt this why we all pay so much insance because everyone thinks its ok to claim for these?!

PabloNeruda

But I'm only 3rd party. Doesn't that mean I have to pay for everything?

mrcow

Hi Pablo,

They are the third party. That is what your insurance covers.

justmarried06

Hi - if you insure on a third party basis then that means any third party damage or injury (as is the case here) will be covered by your insurance policy - this is why TP only is the minimum legal motor insurance requirement. Fully comp cover operates to cover this as well as cover you for any damage to your own car, subject to an excess.

Refer this on to your insurance company and they should be able to deal with things from there.

HTH

JM

gazza975526570

PabloNeruda wrote:

But I'm only 3rd party. Doesn't that mean I have to pay for everything?

No.

It means you are covered for any damage caused to the Third Party's vehicle. They are the third party.

Provided you have been paying your premiums then your insurers will pay for the damage incurred to their vehicle (plus any relevant injuried to them)

Astaroth

You are the first party, your insurers are the second party, anyone else involved in the incident are the third party - their representatives arent a party

Your insurance covers you for third party risks and therefore simply send the letter to your insurers unanswered and they will respond - I assume you have already notified them of the incident. It is always a good idea to phone them to let them know it is coming so that they can keep an eye out for it.

Consequential losses will be things such as the excess, injury, loss of earnings, hire car, taxis, medication costs (over the counter or prescription) etc

PabloNeruda

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the information. You have help to put my mind at rest. I have contacted my insurance company, given them the details and faxed a coppy of the letter to them. I 've never had an accident before so didn't really know what the procedure was and if this could cots me a lot of money.:o

Thanks once again, much appreciated.:A

A_little_stressed!!

I hope evrything has turned out ok 4 u, the same happened to my step-mum, she was doing the school run & bumped a police car (of all the cars) both officers were very friendly, had a look & said there was no damage. Now she's had a letter saying there is £1000 worth of damage, which the sergant noticed back at the station. She has a witness saying she only tapped him, what can she do?
I thought the police were suposed 2 be the good guys??

starkj

>£1000 worth of damage to Police car.

A cynical person like me would wonder whether Mr policeman caused the damage himself before or after your incident. I would ask to see the damage.

Then everyday a policeman will follow you till they can give you half a dozen tickets as revenge for getting uppity.