Why the Secrecy?

Car_54

Yesterday I collected my car from the bodyshop, after repairs following a non-fault claim. While waiting for the keys, I asked the lady how much the repairs had cost. She said "We're not allowed to tell you that," but she "accidentally"left the file open so I couldn't help but see the figure.

So why don't the insurers want me to know? Particularly since many of them ask for the costs of historic claims when you're looking for a quote!

eschaton

Car_54 wrote: »

Yesterday I collected my car from the bodyshop, after repairs following a non-fault claim. While waiting for the keys, I asked the lady how much the repairs had cost. She said "We're not allowed to tell you that," but she "accidentally"left the file open so I couldn't help but see the figure.

So why don't the insurers want me to know? Particularly since many of them ask for the costs of historic claims when you're looking for a quote!

I had a non fault claim with Direct Line and was given a copy of the invoice with break down when I collected my car.

It took them exactly 2 months to repair the car but that's another story.

Johno100

Car_54 wrote: »

Yesterday I collected my car from the bodyshop, after repairs following a non-fault claim. While waiting for the keys, I asked the lady how much the repairs had cost. She said "We're not allowed to tell you that," but she "accidentally"left the file open so I couldn't help but see the figure.

So why don't the insurers want me to know? Particularly since many of them ask for the costs of historic claims when you're looking for a quote!

I suppose because technically you're not the customer for the job. Now if the insurers (or 3rd party insurers in this case?) want to disclose the cost then it is up to them.

Car_54

Johno100 wrote: »

I suppose because technically you're not the customer for the job. Now if the insurers (or 3rd party insurers in this case?) want to disclose the cost then it is up to them.

Yes, I understand that I'm not entitled to the information, but why do they care? What harm could it do?

[Deleted User]

A 20 million euro fine as of today.

Probably more than they got for the repair job.

EssexExile

Confidential business matters between two companies. The body shop & the insurance company don't want everyone to know what deal they have.

agrinnall

EssexExile wrote: »

Confidential business matters between two companies. The body shop & the insurance company don't want everyone to know what deal they have.

Except, as mentioned in the OP, when you declare the repair at next renewal many insurers will ask for the cost of the repair, so what are you supposed to do, make up a random figure?

EssexExile

agrinnall wrote: »

Except, as mentioned in the OP, when you declare the repair at next renewal many insurers will ask for the cost of the repair, so what are you supposed to do, make up a random figure?

"Unknown".

Begsey

agrinnall wrote: »

Except, as mentioned in the OP, when you declare the repair at next renewal many insurers will ask for the cost of the repair, so what are you supposed to do, make up a random figure?

Ask your insurer.

ryan121

When I phoned my insurer to ask, they gave me the exact amount. Didn't seem to care. I don't think it's an issue at all for the insurer to tell you the amount.

arcon5

They ask for the value of the claim not what the bodyshop bill was. The claim total includes everything including personal injury management companies etc