Compensation offer from insurers.

apprentice321

I had a minor collision with another vehicle in early 2016 which I believed to have been settled by my insurers as a no fault settlement. Fast forward to May this year when I received a County Court summons against me from the other claimant. I was shocked and confused so I contacted my previous insurers who said this was an error, that I should send the details to them and that they would deal with it. They assured me that I would hear no more. However, as a result of the company's (in their own words) "gross mishandling of the case" I was later issued with a County Court judgement against me. During all that time, when a great deal of my time was taken up, I spoke to many representatives who assured me that they would call me back and didn't and assured me that it was being dealt with when it wasn't. I complained and was offered £500 compensation which at the time I accepted. However, I was then contacted by the insurers solicitors who said I would probably have to go to court and defend the claim (although in the end they said I wouldn't have to). I also, distressingly, later received a threatening letter saying that as I had not paid the court, bailiffs would be coming to seize my possessions. Because of all this, I formally rescinded my acceptance of the £500 compensation as I felt it did not reflect the seriousness of the situation, especially since I was ill throughout all this and living through a global pandemic so the impact of all this was significantly heightened. As a result, they increased their compensation offer to £700. I said I would consider it. But I don't think it is enough given what I have been through. On the other hand, I am worried about asking for more in case they take the offer off the table altogether.

I would be grateful for any advice. Sorry for the long post.

Jumblebumble

apprentice321 said:

I had a minor collision with another vehicle in early 2016 which I believed to have been settled by my insurers as a no fault settlement. Fast forward to May this year when I received a County Court summons against me from the other claimant. I was shocked and confused so I contacted my previous insurers who said this was an error, that I should send the details to them and that they would deal with it. They assured me that I would hear no more. However, as a result of the company's (in their own words) "gross mishandling of the case" I was later issued with a County Court judgement against me. During all that time, when a great deal of my time was taken up, I spoke to many representatives who assured me that they would call me back and didn't and assured me that it was being dealt with when it wasn't. I complained and was offered £500 compensation which at the time I accepted. However, I was then contacted by the insurers solicitors who said I would probably have to go to court and defend the claim (although in the end they said I wouldn't have to). I also, distressingly, later received a threatening letter saying that as I had not paid the court, bailiffs would be coming to seize my possessions. Because of all this, I formally rescinded my acceptance of the £500 compensation as I felt it did not reflect the seriousness of the situation, especially since I was ill throughout all this and living through a global pandemic so the impact of all this was significantly heightened. As a result, they increased their compensation offer to £700. I said I would consider it. But I don't think it is enough given what I have been through. On the other hand, I am worried about asking for more in case they take the offer off the table altogether.

I would be grateful for any advice. Sorry for the long post.

Was the CCJ settled before 30 days was up and it got logged on CRA for for the next 6 years?

Sandtree

Whilst I am sorry you were ill and having to go through a Pandemic at the time I am not sure how you think that either of these were your insurer's fault? Its unfortunate that these things came together but in itself doesnt warrant greater compensation.

Compensation is based on two components:
1) Long term impact
2) Short term hassle/distress etc

It is not clear from your description what the actual outcome of the matter was. Assuming your record has been cleared and we are only dealing with the second component then £700 doesnt sound too unreasonable to me but ultimately it is your choice. Clearly if you now have a settled CCJ showing on your credit file it moves matters into a different space and consideration would need to be given to your debt situation, life stage etc.

rudekid48

Only you can decide if you are willing to accept the offer.  These things tend to be judged on any financial losses that you have suffered plus a modest amount for 'inconvenience' so hard to say if that offer is good or not.  What you can do (and assuming that you have followed the insurers complaints procedure), is escalate your complaint to the FOS.  It's a free service and the Ombudsman will adjudicate and say if the level of compensation is fair or not.  If they say it should be more then the insurer has to comply.

apprentice321

Thank you very much. I have now accepted this offer.