Car Insurance claim - Not my fault

vikashkumar23

HI,

The issue happened last week. It was around 10pm. I was about to sleep. I heard a loud noise and saw from my window. I was at first floor. My neighbours had some fight and the husband breaks his wife's car glass. Then he took his own car and crashed his wife's car. I was the witness of this and the whole street saw this man crashing his wife's car. I was shouting from my window not to do so as my car was parked behind his wife's car. he didnt think about it and he crashed his wife's car.

As a result his wife's car crashed on my bumper and got damaged. The guy escaped and ran away. I informed the police and they came and gave me the reference no and the registration number of the guy's car. They said to contact the insurance and I can claim and i wont need to pay them since it was not my fault and it will not affect my no claim.

I rang up the insurance (Hastings) and detailed the problem. They asked for the person's name and I didn't know his name and forgot to get his name from the police officers as I was very nervous about the situation. The guy working for the insurance company said that I need to contact Albany assistance as they will repair my car.

When I rang up Albany assistance they said I need to pay £495 excess charge. I called to the insurance agent and they said I need to pay the excess amount only then they will proceed with the formalities of contacting the person who is liable for damaging my car. They are saying that I have signed the terms and conditions and they said some page number to see. They say that even though other person is liable for the damage that I need to pay the excess amount and they will proceed then. I asked what if the liable person does not accept his mistake ? and they say that they cant's do anything and I will be loosing my no claim bonus.

I have got the video evidence after the crash has happened and the police report about the incident.

Can any one let me know is it true even though the other person crashed with my car I need to pay the excess amount even though it's not my fault. ?

This is totally ridiculous.

Quentin

Your excess isn't covered by your insurance and must normally be paid yourself. You agreed to this when taking out the policy.

It is down to you to claim this back off the liable third party. Either use any legal cover you have with your policy , diy or instruct your own solicitor.

As far as your Ncd is concerned this will be reduced unless protected until yourr insurer gets full reimbursement of all their costs off the third party.

EdGasket

Normally the insurer tells you you don't need to pay your excess so long as you use Albany (claims management company) but would have to if you want the insurer to deal with it and then you'd have to claim that back later from the third party.

No point using Albany then is there? Insist Hastings deal with it themselves, they have no right to palm you off to a claims company with inflated hire car charges. Google Albany assistance and decide for yourself.

Auxillis

Hi Vikashkumar23,

Could you please email onlineteam@albanyassistance.co.uk with your reference number or car registration, so that we can identify your case and contact you directly to discuss this matter.

Kind Regards,

Albany Assistance Online Team