Car accident, not at fault advice, car hire

NMSE12

Hi, my car was crashed into on Saturday. Driver at fault skidded in the ice and smashed into my parked car outside my house. It shunted a good 4ft forwards and has rear bumper and tyre damage. I can't drive it due to the tyre damage :-(
I have been ringing and ringing there insurance company who are understandably busy and getting no answer.
Now my dilemma is i need a vehicle, should i just hire one without there go ahead and send them the bill or should i continue to try and get in touch? I was on hold listening to their tedious music for 40minutes before, and at 5p+ a minute it isn't something i want to continue with to much.
Thank you to anyone who can give advice.
Regards
(Also posted in insurance forum)

SLITHER99

My $0.02

People are struggling to get to work, so that could be why you're not getting through.

If it was me, I'd claim on my own policy and provide the details of the 3rd party as it's pretty open and shut. That way, they have the headache, they'll get your courtesy car out to you and get your one fixed and there will be a minimum of fuss. It depends if your policy is well set up.

Tilt

Why don't you contact your insures and get their advice? You will need to report the bump to them anyway. Your policy may include a courtesy car.

paulsad

Deal with your own insurers. In my experience in a non fault claim the car hire companies chase you to give you a car - last time I had an old BMW that was rear ended I was given a brand new Mercedes whilst mine was repaired within 3 hrs of the incident. Depends probably on how quick your insurers act - its your own insurers who should do the chasing.

NMSE12

I've notified my insurers but they say that i could loose my no claims if i go through them, is this right?
Their insurance is octagon and after a quick search on them it seems they are a terrible company. Feeling a little like this wont be a straight forward claim.

Tilt

NMSE12 wrote: »

I've notified my insurers but they say that i could loose my no claims if i go through them, is this right?
Their insurance is octagon and after a quick search on them it seems they are a terrible company. Feeling a little like this wont be a straight forward claim.

You would only loose your no-claims if your insurers have to pay out. In the circumstances you describe, that's hardly like likely. Are you sure you are with the right insurance company?

NMSE12

Well if i'm honest i just went with who was cheapest :-( its Equity red star. Broker was Flux direct.

Will ring them back and double check it all with them. I understand all insurance companies are likely to be busy.. i just need to know what to do with regards to getting to work tomorrow.

molerat

If you claim via your insurance you will lose your no claims until they recover their outlay from the third party insurers. You will be responsible for you excess and reclaiming it from the third party. Either go direct through their insurer or instruct a claims management company. Keep a log of all expenses including telephone call costs as this can be added to the claim. If the third party insurers want to mess you around so be it, it will cost them dearly. My son was messed around and a simple £600 write off cost the third party around £4k including car hire whilst they procrastinated, legal fees and court costs.