Car Insurance - Time Limit to Settle a Claim?

stripeyshirt

Hi All,

In October last year, a van rolled into my parked car and wrote it off (the handbrake had been left off).

I reported it to my insurer, complete with photos of the van and my car in situ.

I know that the van in question is owned/insured by the driver's employer.

It has now been more than six months since I filed the claim - and whilst I did receive compensation for the loss of my car - I still have not received my excess.

Is there a time limit that insurer's have to comply with when investigating claims?

Thanks!

Quentin

No time limit for them, but no harm in you prodding the third party insurer over this, and giving them a time limit (say 10 days), when if not paid you will take legal action.

Then if they ignore you, go for a MCOL against the third party.

stripeyshirt

Thanks Quentin.

Technically the third party does not owe me any money so I presume I wouldn't be able to take a claim directly against them?

Can I complain to a regulator about this sort of thing? Would it be the ombudsman?

Thanks.

Quentin

Why do you think the third party doesn't owe you any money?

They are the only hope you have of getting it back! Your excess is an uninsured loss.

stripeyshirt

I take your point Quentin!

I have emailed my insurer to obtain all of the details so I shall give it a go.

Thanks.