Whose insurance should I use on a non-fault car insurance claim?

Sami83

I had an accident on Monday where someone reversed out of their driveway and into the side of my car. The driver who hit me has admitted full liability and there is no dispute there at all. His insurance company (John Lewis) are trying to get me to go through them to do the repairs. This way I don't have to get my insurance company involved at all. However, Churchill who are my insurance company say that I should go through them and they will recover the costs from John Lewis. I've agreed to go with my insurance company because I feel that if there were any problems with John Lewis fixing it or providing the hire car then it would be better to have Churchill deal with them than having to deal with them myself. However, John Lewis are now saying to me that if I claim through my insurance company then there could be a 'live open claim' (if Churchill haven't recovered the costs from John Lewis yet then the claim is a 'live open' one I think) when I come to renew and that would increase my premium. Churchill say that even if there is a 'live open claim' when I come to renew the customer services will be able to see that it's a non-fault claim. They won't say this won't affect my premium as they're 'not trained in premiums'. Basically, has anyone had anything similar happen to them and what would you advise? Should I go through my insurance or his? Either way his insurance will end up paying for it because Churchill will reclaim from John Lewis. There is no debating who is at fault because the person who hit me has admitted full liability, so I don't foresee any problems there, but I'm really confused about what to do. Any advice would be greatly received!

Mistral001

You pay your premiums for your insurance company to sort this out unless you are going through your own solicitor. You should not be in contact with the other car's insurance company.

jimbo6977

John Lewis want to keep a handle on costs, hence them offering to deal with you.

Your contractual relationship is with Churchill so as long as you are happy for them to deal with it, this is probably the best option for you.

John Lewis car insurance is really Ageas, which is the re-heated remains of Fortis, apparently not known for promptness and efficiency.


Either way, the fact that you have been involved in an accident, of any description, will have an effect on your premium.

foxy-stoat

If liability is not in dispute then your NCD wont get affected at renewal time, they may not even ask you to pay the excess. Third Party Insurers probably want to control the costs for repairs and hire car.

Sami83

Thanks Mistral100. This was my thinking and I feel like John Lewis are being a bit sneaky and putting me under pressure by using scare tactics.

Sami83

Thanks Jimbo6977. Yes, a quick Google search seems to suggest my premium will go up regardless! What a pain! I'm happy with Churchill, so I think it's sensible to stick with them.

Sami83

Thanks foxy-stoat. Yes you're absolutely right, I've been told by Churchill that my NCD won't be affected and they've waived the excess as the third party has admitted full responsibility for the accident.