Paying for damage on a van??

sonnymanna19

Hi everyone. Newbie here looking for advice.
I used to be a courier and whilst in that job I paid a monthly cost of £15 for excess protection in case of an accident. I did have an accident and caused some damage. Was told not to worry as I pay the excess protection. I have since left the job. On my last pay packet my boss withheld £1000 to pay for damages. As a good will gesture he gave back half as he "didnt want me going short". He still has £500. He had van fixed on 3rd march and took him 8weeks and plenty of me chasing him for him to provide the bill of £977.04 
He is demanding I pay the remainder. He said the  excess protection was only on case of write off (doesnt say that on form I signed) and as bill would be under £1000 he wont go through Insurance. (£1000 being his excess) 
I dont have a copy of ny contract so I cant see if he has a clause of withholding money. But do I have to pay for damage when I've paid this excess protection?? If not then how do I get the other £500 back as he wont give it back.

Any advice greatly appreciated 

bucksbloke

An excess of £1000 is very common on fleet vehicle insurance (it is the same on our fleet of 90 vehicles), if the value is below the insurance excess limit, we could not actually make a claim. I obviously do not know your employer, but it could be a case of cannot put in a claim rather than won't. 

sonnymanna19

Thanks bucksbloke 
I totally understand that but where I've been paying for insurance to protect me paying do I have to pay for damage still? 

jonnygee2

You need to get a copy of your contract, and a copy of the excess policy, to really make headway here. Can you ask your old boss for them?

sonnymanna19

Hi jonnygee2 said:

You need to get a copy of your contract, and a copy of the excess policy, to really make headway here. Can you ask your old boss for them?

I've got a copy of the excess form I filled out for my excess protection and I've asked for a copy of my contract and I'm still waiting for it.
I've not started early conciliation with my ex employer through acas so let's hope we can get a solution here.