Delayed motor insurance claim

jstvj

This is my first post, so I hope I am doing things right.

Approx a year ago my motor caravan was vandalised by teenagers (although caught and admitted it, they were all let off with a caution) whilst in storage. The timing was particularly unfortunate because the vehicle had just been prepared for sale and had passed an Engineer’s pre MOT and gas safety check.
My Insurers, CIS immediately told me that due to the size of the vehicle they could not arrange recovery (what ? why did they accept the risk in the first place) and that I would have to find a company myself. Amongst the motor caravan dealers I asked was a CIS approved repairer who had sold the vehicle to me earlier and was so disinterested as to be almost offensive. Eventually the CIS Engineer agreed to make the vehicle roadworthy (replace the damaged rear light lenses)and drive it to their repairers.

Despite several attempts the Insurers didn't want to talk to me and just referred me to the Repairers, who just fobbed me off with stories. Finally last February the Repairer phoned to explain that the delay was due to fact that they could not source replacement side windows. They told me that as they were not specialist motor caravan repairers, they had to ask another company (guess what, the same company who refused to take the repair on in the first place). The good news was that the windows had been located and the repair would be completed by early March. I asked if the vehicle had been stored under cover during the year and was told that they did not have room inside their workshops, but it had been protected with tarpaulins. I pointed out that the as the engine had not been started it for such a long time it would need a service before MOT and as the battery had been brand new and not maintained, it would have to be replaced, which they agreed.

Not having heard anymore, in mid April I travelled to the repairers premises, personally witnessed that my vehicle was stored outside on waste land facing a precipice with a sheer drop of about 15 metres. It had not been protected, was in poor, dirty condition, covered with moss and green algae etc. I also noticed that nothing had been done at all, including the rear lights, which was supposedly necessary in order to drive the vehicle, I found the owner who immediately said “Good news, the windows are due in tomorrow” (What a coincidence eh ?). In answer to my questions and forgetting what they had said earlier, I was told the vehicle had been stored under covered and only moved outside about a fortnight before. Also the engine had been run regularly, so a service and new battery would not be required. They agreed to re-pray the rusted rear bumper and pay for missing wheel trims, if I got them. I said that as I still intended to sell the vehicle I must have it repaired by no later than early May in order to catch the selling season, albeit a year later. Otherwise, I would have to insist on a cash settlement, which argument I was reluctant to get into because CIS had initially said their replacement value estimate was only £6000 which was less than half its proper market value

The vehicle has now been repaired, although I have very little faith that everything has been done properly and I yet have to see it for myself. It failed the MOT (for which I agreed to pay) on rusted brake pipes and split boot on front suspension, which the repairers disagree was not due to the method of storage and I have to pay.

To rub salt in my wounds the repairer is now insisting they have no room for the vehicle and they refuse to deliver the vehicle back, because it is not taxed (they collected it remember and CIS advertising says they will deliver back after repair) and they have no trade plates. I have since contacted the dealer who is going to sell the vehicle on my behalf who has trade plates and will collect. However, he has just informed me that it is unlikely that it will achieve the asking price (as determined last year, which they said could easily be achieved) because the vehicle is a year older and it is harder now to sell more expensive vehicles this year, presumably due to the increase in interest rates etc. Moreover I expect that the Insurers will add insult to injury by insisting on payment of the excess amount.

In view of the delayed repair, do you think I have a justifiable complain against CIS and can I claim my further losses from them ?. If so, how do I go about it, when I cannot get any response from them. Thanks very for everyone’s advice, gratefully received