Bought a year's car insurance in the afternoon and then was involved in a crash that same evening

[Deleted User]

My car was crashed into by a lorry who changed lanes without realising it was occupied, so not my fault, but my car is nicely dented and scratched.

I've submitted a claim online with my current insurer and just waiting for them to get back to me.

Obviously I signed up for the new insurance with a different company stating that I'd not had any accidents, etc., so I'm just wondering at what point I need to contact them and inform them about the accident. Do I phone them ASAP or do I wait for my current insurer to get back to me?

docmatt

You’re insured with just one insurance company, yes? And it’s that one that you’ve told about the accident.

molerat

When does the new policy cover commence ? You need to inform the new insurer that you have been involved in an incident.

Begsey

When does the new policy start? I've seen me signing up a week or 2 before start date, hopefully that's what you have done.

EdGasketTheSecond

I expect your quote included no-claims bonus so now you've had a claim, you will need to tell them as that NCB will disappear until its all been resolved and only if the the third party is found 100% at fault. These things have a habit of going 50/50.

Car_54

I'd be inclined to tell them ASAP, to give you time to look around elsewhere if they increase your premium too much.

Duckdodgers

If it was the lorry's fault why are you making a claim on your insurance? Are they not claiming on their insurance?

Car_54

Duckdodgers wrote: »

If it was the lorry's fault why are you making a claim on your insurance? Are they not claiming on their insurance?

That's the OP's opinion. The lorry driver's view may be different.

jimarnold_2

Even if it wasn't your fault unless you have an independent witness it may be difficult to prove, insurance companies are notorious for agreeing 50/50 this avoids legal costs and then they can up both drivers premiums

there are usually 2 questions on insurance forms
1) have you made a claim in the last x years
2) have you had an accident in the last x years


and you need to tell your new insurer if ANYTHING material changes or you may invalidate your cover
I'm afraid that even if it is not your fault your premium will probably go up

Svein_Forkbeard

If it was me I would cancel your new policy and try and carry on with your current insurer, otherwise it will just be a huge amount of hassle.

angrycrow

You need to inform the new insurer prior to the start of the policy. They will requote based on a pending claim. If the new quote is not acceptable you can decline it under the 14 day cooling off period. As the policy has not started you should not pay any fees.

If you do not inform the new insurer they will almost certainly find out and when they do you could face policy cancellation which will increase future insurance costs.