Car insurance - hire car query

Clabs1

Hi,

4 months ago someone drove into the side of my car whilst it was parked. Luckily I was just walking away from the car at the time so we traded details. The other party accepted fault for the accident so there is no issue there.

I was offered a courtesy car whilst mine was in the garage having a new door fitted.

I have just received a letter from Albany Assistance (who are working on behalf of my insurer, Admiral) which says (paraphrased) the following:

"The at fault parties insurer believe that I was in a financial position to afford my own hire car rather than accept a credit hire vehicle from Albany." it then goes on to say "As per the terms and conditions you would not be liable for any unpaid hire costs under these circumstances. If you advise that you would have been in a position to hire a vehicle we would then negotiate the best possible settlement".

I've no idea what the latter part even means!!

I'd welcome some recommendations on how to respond to this, obviously I don't want to pay any money whatsoever as some idiot drove into my car!

Thank in advance,

Clabs1

Quentin

When you accepted a credit hire car you will have signed an agreement.


Credit hire is much more expensive than normal car hire.


The third party insurer looks to believe you didn't need credit hire and had the means to pay for normal car hire (which they would have reimbursed you)


You now need to furnish evidence to refute the suggestion you could have paid for your hire so that Albany can try and get paid - otherwise you could be ending up with the bill for the "extra" charges above normal rates, and that sounds a biggie!

Clabs1

Hi Quentin thanks for the reply.

I must admit I'm pretty wet behind the ears with this. If you could explain the difference between credit hire and a normal hire that'd be great.

What would they look for in the way of evidence?

Thanks,
Clabs1

dacouch

http://www.das.co.uk/the-monitor/2015/march/credit-hire-case-appeal-decided-in-favour-of-insurers

Quentin

Clabs1 wrote: »

Hi Quentin thanks for the reply.

I must admit I'm pretty wet behind the ears with this. If you could explain the difference between credit hire and a normal hire that'd be great.

What would they look for in the way of evidence?

Thanks,
Clabs1

Normal car hire you pay for immediately. No risk to the hirer he will have to wait to get paid.

Credit hire is more expensive as the charges are paid much later if/when the claim is concluded in favour of the hirer.

Talk to Albany on how to help resolve this - (eg. do you have a credit card that you could have used? If you haven't then you have a good case for needing credit hire etc)

Auxillis

Hello Clabs1,

As each case is different, could you please email onlineteam@albanyassistance.co.uk with your reference number and I will arrange for someone to contact you directly to answer any questions that you have.

Kind Regards,

Albany Assistance Online Team

Clabs1

Thanks for the replies.

@albanyassitance I'll e-mail this eve when I have the reference number to hand

Auxillis

Hi Clabs1,

If you don't have your reference number to hand, you can email us with your car registration number.

Thanks,

Albany Assistance Online Team