Car insurance claim

MrsL1978

Hi

Wonder if anyone can help me please.

2 months' ago, someone reversed into the side of my car damaging the door. Details were given and as it was a works van, my husband contacted the boss to discuss the accident. He said that he wanted to avoid going through insurance so we got 2 quotes for repairs and now he is saying he wants to go through insurance.

I've never claimed before so just a bit confused! Do I make a claim from my insurance or does he make a claim through his insurance?

If I go through my insurance, will it affect my policy and will I have to pay my excess? If so, will I get this back as it wasn't my fault?

Thanks for your help. Just want my car fixing and it's doing my head in that it's taking so long and now the guy is saying he wants it to go through insurance.

Christopher7

Hi MrsL1978
Contact the other sides insurance company and ask them if they accept liability for the accident. They may not have been notified by their insured or they may argue that you were in some way liable.

If they accept liability, then they should offer their assistance, or you could ask them to handle your claim. If they do, then you won't have to pay an excess.

If they have not been informed or dispute liability, and you have comprehensive insurance, then contact your insurance company and ask them to manage your claim. You will have to pay an excess but if the insurer successfully argues liability in your favour then you will be entitled to reclaim this from the other sides insurer. If you have legal expenses cover on your policy then ask the provider to recover this on your behalf.

If the claim does go down as 100% not your fault then, you should get your no claims discount reinstated but you will have to declare the claim on future insurance quotes.

Finally, the insurance company will want to take the car to their approved repairer, they want to do this purely to save money on the repair bill. Remember it is your car and your right to insist that it is taken to a body repairer of your choice.

MrsL1978

Thanks for your reply, it's made things seems a lot clearer! Will contact the guy and get his insurance details. I don't see how they can argue I am at fault. A parked vehicle started reversing into me when I was waiting to turn at a junction. Fingers crossed!