Car Windscreen con?

heresrobbo

Hi, this is my first post so go easy!!

Over 12 months ago I got a chip in my windscreen. As I'd seen one of these road side chip repair companies, I pulled over to be told that if my insurance company was on their list and I'm fully comp the repair would be free. Turns out my insurance company (Axa) was on their list and they'd repair my chip.....wooohooo....

About 5 weeks later I got a letter from the car repair company called CrackAttack saying I wasn't insured with Axa and I owe them £54. I spoke to the owner, ensured I had gave him the correct policy number which he told me not to worry and that was that, nothing for well over 12 months.

Now I've just recieved a letter from solicitors demanding the £54 immediately. I'm thinking the folowing. Should I demand their 'client' (CrackAttack) provide me with proof that they actually do represent Axa? If not then surely thats fraud by false representation? Also, can you still come after money this long after? And I would also like to know why CrackAttack have gone sqealing to a solicitor rather than contacting me?!!

Any advice would be appreciated and go easy please!! :beer:

Quentin

First you need to check your policy allows you to use your own choice of repairer (most insurers make you use their appointed repairer).

If you weren't supposed to go to any company, then you will need to sort this out yourself.

If your policy does cover you, then take this up with your insurer to sort out for you.

(Whether or not your insurer pays up, you now have to declare the chip repair to any other insurer you approach for a quote or wish to switch to - it's cheaper not to involve your insurer and just get chips repaired yourself, as you still pay for the repair by way of premium loadings if you use insurance)

alistair.long

A little word of advise,

As you are not happy with the Solicitor letter, you can write a letter back and say that you agree to pay the costs, but not the cost of the solicitor letter which could have been avoided.

If the claim is taken to court, the court costs for £50 should not be more then £25 and also the solicitor cannot claim more then £80, and you can let a judge make a decision on it for you.

I would personally bargain with the company or find out (read the terms and condition) if your Policy allows you free repairs.

heresrobbo

thanks both

dunstonh

In future, dont use the insurance either to pay for it. It is a classed as a claim and it will affect your insurance premium price. So, you may not have to pay for the windscreen but you will have to pay an extra 10% on your premium for 3 years. Typically that ends up being a lot more than the cost of windscreen repair.