*Information only* affecting NCD

louisebx

Hi,

I'm looking for some info. I reversed into another car, left my details for the driver as they weren't about, and we've agreed to settle privately. I let my insurer know and stressed it was for information only and that I wasn't going to make a claim as it is being settled and my insurance is due for renewal in a few weeks and I didn't want it affecting my NCD.

What they've actually done is open the claim, and won't close it until after 90 days. They've also taken 4 years off my 8 years No Claims, despite me not claiming.

The insurer is Swift, I tried to call them earlier but the adviser kept saying 'but you're at fault', which isn't the issue for me - I understand I'm at fault but I'm also not making a claim. I've spoken to a friend who works in insurance who said this shouldn't be the case, if I've advised it's for information only. Can anyone offer any advice? It would be much appreciated.

Thanks

kingstreet

You reversed into another vehicle.

You cannot remove the third party's right to claim against you and/or your insurer in future, regardless of the deal you made between you.

Your insurer has to be prepared to accept a claim.

Quentin

louisebx wrote: »

..... I let my insurer know and stressed it was for information only and that I wasn't going to make a claim.....

"Information only" refers to you not intending making a claim on your policy.


Your insurer can still get a claim from the innocent third party, (who still has the option of making an insurance claim should anything go awry with your private arrangement)

forgotmyname

Your not making a claim but there is a chance the other driver will, even if you settle it privately. After they mention it to a few friends someone will suggest that they got whiplash in the incident and can get £1000+ for very little work.

There have been posts where someone hit a parked car with no occupants and suddenly some time later they are claiming they were in the car and have suffered injury. Rare but it does happen.

louisebx

kingstreet wrote: »

You reversed into another vehicle.

You cannot remove the third party's right to claim against you and/or your insurer in future, regardless of the deal you made between you.

Your insurer has to be prepared to accept a claim.

Thanks! I just needed the situation explained, I've never had to use my insurance for anything so have no idea how the process works. They seemed unwilling to explain to me because I'm at fault.

louisebx

Quentin wrote: »

"Information only" refers to you not intending making a claim on your policy.


Your insurer can still get a claim from the innocent third party, (who still has the option of making an insurance claim should anything go awry with your private arrangement)

Thanks for explaining

Quentin

louisebx wrote: »

Thanks! I just needed the situation explained...... They seemed unwilling to explain to me because I'm at fault.

If you feel they discriminated against you simply because you were to blame then you have grounds for complaint.


Follow their complaints procedure which will be set out in the policy docs.


if you are unhappy with their reply then you can escalate to the FOS at no cost to you.


You are not tied to your current insurer at renewal.


Explain to your chosen company the circumstances of the incident (which you must disclose even though no claim has been made), and ask them to reduce your premium if the claim is closed and your NCD is reinstated.


If they agree ask them to confirm this in writing.