Car Insurance claim advice for WriteOff

Gogglebox_3

My mate was in a car accident last week and although she got away with light buising and whiplash injuries the car was a write off
She was the only car involved as she hit water
Anyone got any advice on what she can claim from her own Insurance company (Diamond)
She is expecting to be offered a paltry amount for her car, should she reject it
Can she claim for loss of earning?
Can she claim for injuries
I seen something she can claim for the contents of her handbag - -a womans insurance company surely!!

Anyone been through this ordeal and can advise on in any way
Thanks

mattymoo

Sorry but the claim is going to be pretty limited.

1) Market value of the car less any policy excess.
2) Personal possessions (handbag contents) up to a limit of £50.00
3) Towing and storage costs of the vehicle will be met.
4) There may be limited cover for medication costs. Normally limited to £50 or £100.

And that is about it.
Injuries can only be claimed for against a negligent party and English law does not permit you to sue yourself. Same with the loss of earnings.

Astaroth

Most comprehensive insurance only covers major injuries (eg loss of limbs) and then only for a paltry sum. Small medical expenses are covered so she may be able to claim back any prescription charges if applicable.

Unless there is a third party who is to blame for the accident then, as mattymoo says, you cannot sue yourself for injury or loss of earnings.

Personal possessions tend to be very limited (£100 is the norm). If the contents of her handbag are significantly more then she may consider claiming off her home insurance but then she will obviously have another excess to pay and it would count as a claim off both insurance policies.

Insurance companies do not routinely give paltry offers. It is simply not cost effective to intentionally mess about arguing over (in insurance terms) small sums of money. It is much better to offer a fair amount up front and get the claim closed.

The "problem" is that many people over value their own vehicle. Firstly you should look at private sale prices and not forecourt (vehicles from garages are typically in A1 condition with all minor blemishes gone and come with warranties). Secondly remember the price advertised is not the price it will sell at, you always can negotiate the price down.

A classic example of this was my mother who was insuring her car for £3,000, went to trade it in and the garage said they would give her £200 as a gesture of goodwill but suggested private sale. When she looked at private sale prices the average was about £500.