Car insurance renewal with ongoing claim?

Honey9036

Hi

I'm looking for some advice on how to proceed. I've been with Sheila's Wheels for 3 full years. My policy is due for renewal this month. I also have an outstanding claim for an accident that happened in a car park (3rd party reversed into me as I was reversing out my space). We both obviously say that the other is to blame (but in all honesty she was the one in the wrong).

My insurer said that because there were no witnesses, they would have to settle 50/50 (I was happy enough with this because the other driver didn't have any damage and so didn't make a claim as such. So her insurers would be paying half of my excess and half the repair bill). But the other insurers haven't paid up yet (accident happened last April and I think both insurers have been dragging their heels trying to sort it out). So it's gone to the legal department to raise a court action (I'll have to appear as a witness! Arghh! Hate things like that.).

Anyway, in the meantime, on my renewal notice it lists the accident as a "fault" claim, and my NCD has been reduced from 8 years to 3 years!! My premium has more or less doubled from last year!!!

What I am now wondering is whether I can shop around for a better quote? I realise that Sheila's Wheels will still have to finish off dealing with the claim EVEN if I don't renew my policy with them. But what I'm not clear on is how things will all work out in terms of the end result of the court case? Obviously, at the moment, any quote I get will be based on the worst case scenario - ie a fault claim - so my premium will be based on that. But if, a few months down the line, the court case settles either on a 50/50 or a no-fault claim, how would that affect my position with regards to NCD and premium, etc? Is there any hope I would I get a revised policy and/or partial refund of premium?

Also, I believe that when you are looking for quotes following an accident that you have to give the cost of the claim. Will this be the cost of the repair? Or would it be the cost of the repair plus any legal costs, admin costs, etc?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Quentin

Even if its finalised as the 50/50 you are happy to accept that still counts as a fault claim as far as your NCD is concerned. (ie unless you get 100% liability against the third party your NCD will be 3 years)

Honey9036

Quentin wrote: »

Even if its finalised as the 50/50 you are happy to accept that still counts as a fault claim as far as your NCD is concerned. (ie unless you get 100% liability against the third party your NCD will be 3 years)

Thanks for your reply Quentin (even if it is unhappy news! LOL!).

I don't suppose you could help with the other aspect? That is, how do I go about getting other estimates whilst the claim is still outstanding/unsettled?

Also, if I do any kind of online price comparison, and answer "fault claim" when asked (even though it may turn out in my favour in the end); will that "record" of me "admitting" to a fault claim (albeit simply to receive online quotes) be somehow permanently recorded on my file (for any other future insurer to see)?

Sorry, I think I've asked that in a really convoluted way! My brain is not working today! Sorry!

Thank you again in advance.

x

Quentin

When you choose your new insurer, explain to them that you have an unresolved claim. Ask that in the event the claim is settled in your faviur and your NCD is reinstated that they will amend your premium back to the start date and will refund any difference this makes to the premium.

As far as the cost of the claim is concerned, all you can do is answer "don't know".