Can an open claim car insurance (my fault) affect my premium?

lishad

My car insurance renewal is in 7 days time. I had a tinny accident in October (my fault but a very small scratch). The man contacted my insurance then but when i called my insurance recently, they told me that he did not contact them back so now it is consider as an open claim. My 4 years no claim bonus is not affected as a result but my renewal premium has gone up. Can you please advice me if I should mention this to new insurance provider that I have an open claim. I don't want my premium to go up as the man may never claim. I think it is more a hassle for the man to have his car repaired for a tinny scratch and maybe he decided not to go ahead of it.
Thank you in advance

Strider590

Firstly your premium goes up whether it's your fault or not and whether there's a claim or not, your now classed as a high risk client simply because you had an accident.

Open claim = loss of all NCB until it's resolved, you can then be refunded the extra premium after it's resolved.....

BUT insurance companies like to drag these things out for 12 months or more, so that you don't get that refund. You have to keep chasing them for resolution, if you have this guys contact details and he's not "funny" with you, you could speak to him and see what lies both insurance companies are throwing around.

lishad

Thanks for the quick clear answer. My insurance company said they will close it in 6 months time but the person can claim up to 3 years.

Do I have to mention to the new insurance company that i had an open claim or will they know anyways?

I have the guy's number but don't want to remind him.

Quentin

Irrespective of whether or not a claim materialises, you will have to disclose the incident to any insurer you approach for a quote over the next 3-5 years (depending on the time span required by the insurer).

Whoever you spoke to at your insurer is mistaken - the law allows 6 years for a claim for damage to be made (the 3 year time limit is for injury claims to be made from an adult - different rules applies for minors to claim for injury.

Because of this long time allowed for claims to come in, you should hang on to your insurance details so you know which insurer to pass on claims to should they come in years down the line.

Quentin

Strider590 wrote: »

Open claim = loss of all NCB until it's resolved,.....

No.

You don't lose "all NCB" with a claim (either open or otherwise).

Your NCD already earned at the start of the policy year will just drop down by 2 years (usually from a max of 5).

But in the OP, the insurer has said that they are not doing this (reducing the NCD) anyway, as no claim has been forthcoming!