Car Insurance Question

Miss_Poohs

I'm hoping someone here can answer this for me.

Had a wee bump in my car last night - no witnesses the other driver swung her car out in front of me and there was no avoiding it.

I think she was planning a U turn but didn't check first.

My car is now in the body shop - prob a new bumper.

My excess is £200 which I guess I have to pay, but I've been told if she accepts responsibility I can claim this £200 back - is this accurate?

We are both insured with the same company.

Thanks in advance

InsideInsurance

Yes, in some cases the insurer will waive the excess if they feel certain of liability etc but that is a guesture of goodwill. Technically it is payable and then recoverable from the third party.

If you have Legal Expenses cover the insurer will assist in getting it back for you, if you dont then its up to you to deal with the recovery (simply a letter with a photocopy of the invoice for the excess)

Miss_Poohs

Thanks for that II

thenudeone

The third party at fault should pay up all the costs including your excess and the costs the garage has paid the garage. Your insurers will automatically chase them for their own costs but probably not your excess.

If you have legal cover, this is exactly the sort of thing you're paying them to chase up on your behalf. If you don't, you'll have to chase it yourself.

Your insurance will probably be more expensive now you have "an incident" on your record. In theory, that extra cost (for 3-5 years) can also be claimed, but you may have to fight for it.