Disclosing Claims on a Car Insurance Policy

Dofe

Hi,

This may seem like a stupid question to those in the 'know' but I need your help!

Basically, my car insurance is up for renewal in Jan 2012. I'm currently shopping around for the best deal. A company I spoke to today offered me a very competitive quote that did not include Legal Cover. I explained I would be interested in Legal Cover as I was involved in an accident shortly before Christmas and am currently going through the claim process due to injury. I explained, however, that I was a passenger in a friends car and that they were driving so the claim was going through their insurance policy and luckily the 3rd party had admitted responsibility.

The advisor said that, even though this was not on my poilcy and that I was not driving, I had a duty to disclose the claim and that because it had not been settled they could not offer me a quote. I'm very confused?! Surely you only need to disclose accidents/claims where you were either driving or that are tconnected to your own policy?

Please help!

olly300

Dofe wrote: »

The advisor said that, even though this was not on my poilcy and that I was not driving, I had a duty to disclose the claim and that because it had not been settled they could not offer me a quote. I'm very confused?! Surely you only need to disclose accidents/claims where you were either driving or that are tconnected to your own policy?

You want retrospective legal cover for an accident that has already happened. This is why you have been declined.

If you had simply stated you wanted legal cover added on to your car insurance then you would be fine as you wouldn't be able to use it for an accident that has already happened.

If you currently have any other insurance policies with legal cover or are a member of a union, you can get solicitors through them to claim for any personal injuries you had from the accident. If you don't then depending what you are claiming for you can use a no-win no-fee solicitor.

McKneff

I dont think it is retrospectively, the op is already going throuhg the process through the other parties insurnace.

Dofe

Thanks folks but yes, I don't want retrospective cover, I just want cover on my new/renewal policy should the unthinkable happen in the future. I am claiming through my friends policy, through the solicitor they have offered as part of her cover.

olly300

Dofe wrote: »

Thanks folks but yes, I don't want retrospective cover, I just want cover on my new/renewal policy should the unthinkable happen in the future. I am claiming through my friends policy, through the solicitor they have offered as part of her cover.

You first post didn't make it clear that you didn't want retrospective cover and if stated what you wrote in your post to the operator they would have got confused like me.

I suggest you don't mention the story of why you want legal cover at all.

I get legal cover with my car insurance policy but don't mention why I want it if I'm getting quotes on the phone.

I only give them answers to questions they ask particularly when they are trying to sell something. For example most car insurers try and sell you breakdown cover. I already have a policy so state I don't want it because I have it. If they question me more I tell them who it is with.

Quentin

Dofe wrote: »

..... Surely you only need to disclose accidents/claims where you were either driving or that are tconnected to your own policy?

Please help!

No.

You have to disclose all claims/losses irrespective of whether or not you claimed off your own policy(s).

thenudeone

Quentin wrote: »

No.

You have to disclose all claims/losses irrespective of whether or not you claimed off your own policy(s).

If I was injured as a passenger in another vehicle than I wouldn't disclose that to any potential motor insurer any more than I would dislose an accident at work or elsewhere.

adamc260

You don't have to list it as an accident because you weren't driving, there is no possible way to list down 'Injury claim as passenger' as it has no baring on your driving history.

The advisor doesn't know what they're on about.

olly300

Quentin wrote: »

No.

You have to disclose all claims/losses irrespective of whether or not you claimed off your own policy(s).

Then there will be lots of people who have answered that question incorrectly and that won't be deliberate.

adamc260

Quentin wrote: »

No.

You have to disclose all claims/losses irrespective of whether or not you claimed off your own policy(s).

You don't have to disclose claims where you are a passenger though as that will have no detriment to your driving history.

olly300

adamc260 wrote: »

You don't have to list it as an accident because you weren't driving, there is no possible way to list down 'Injury claim as passenger' as it has no baring on your driving history.

The advisor doesn't know what they're on about.

The insurance companies obviously have some data which means if you have a minor injury as a passenger in a bus, coach, taxi, private motorcar or private motor bike in the last 5 years you are more likely to have another injury, which is why it's relevant and you have to declare it.

Well The Road Traffic Act defines a motor vehicle as - "a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads" and gives other definitions for a motor car, motor bike etc.