Advice with car insurance

jsndwn

Hello all,

I am needing some urgent advice as I am unsure what to do.

In July 2016 I was involved in a little bumper to bumper bump. The other driver was at fault and we decided to go privately and he pay all costs. A few weeks after I was unsure he'd actually pay up so I decided to report the incident and keep it open just in case the other driver never paid up so I could make a quick claim if needed.

A few weeks later the driver paid up and my car was repaired and everything sorted privately.

Now I have just had my renewal through for my insurance and my premium has gone up (almost doubled) and I've lost my no claims bonus for that year.

I really don't understand as no claim was ever made through neither insurance companies and now because I was worried I wouldn't get my car repaired privately I am getting penalised for nothing.

Should I of reported the accident in the first place?
Should I of just claimed to begin with?

Does my insurance company have the rights to do this even though no claim or costs from them ever occurred?

What can I do?

Thanks in advance.

Quentin

You did comply with your policy conditions by reporting the incident.

Make sure your insurer is aware your costs were paid by the third party and get them to close the incident and reinstate your lost ncd and amend your premium

(You did claim off the third party and this will now be on your record meaning you need to disclose it when applying for insurance quotes in the future

Linton

Car insurers succeed or fail depending on their correct analysis of risk. They will set their charges accordingly. If their statistics show that people involved in an accident are more likely to have another one than people who are accident free, no matter whose fault it is, then they will charge more. Perhaps you live in an area where there are an excess of careless drivers.

Yes, according to the Ts&Cs, you should have reported it, and should also report it when you apply for new insurance.

Suggest you get quotes from elsewhere - car insurance is a highly competitive business and companies are always looking to get more customers. If you wish to stay with your current insurer let them know the good deals you have been offered, the chances are they will find a reason to reduce the amount they want to charge you.

jsndwn

Thanks for your feedback.

I have closed the claim, however my premiums have still shot up which I think is unfair as the accident had nothing to do with myself.

Should I have lost my NCD that I would of earned this year? That's what my insurer are telling me and they're fully aware that no claim was ever made through either insurer.

I will be going elsewhere now as this is all ridiculous, can anyone recommend any insurers?

Many thanks.

Quentin

A no fault claim (which you had) does often result in increased premium. Shop round for the best deal! (See the MSE guide for tips: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/car-insurance/?_ga=1.228902620.1308021328.1470158878 )


Your insurer is trying it on over your NCD.


Start the ball rolling with a complaint (their complaints procedure will be set out in the policy docs).


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


It's a no claim bonus, and you made no claim, and had no claim against you!