Using Credit Hire Companies (Auxillius)

astreix

My wife was involved in a accident where she was hit from behind by a van driver. Our view is that it is not our fault - We have both front and back dashcam footage, 2 witnesses and a london bus driver who saw the accident and told us that if needed we can get the bus company as well to supply cctv footage.  

My insurance company Admiral after looking at the case passed me on to Auxillius who are a credit hire company. Till yesterday I had no idea about how the CHC companies work, but after some digging it seems they charge a fortune to hire a car similar to mine (large 4x4 suv) and charge the other insurer. However I see cases where sometimes the other insurance company may challenge the cost of hire and might ask why I could not have hired the vehicle myself at a cheaper rate (which I can afford to).  

The other issue is the garage auxillius recommended is not manufacturer approved and I strongly prefer to a go to a bodyshop which is manufacturer approved as I don't want sub-standard work or to have issues with warranties in future. Bit miffed that have landed in this through no fault and now to deal with all this stress.

Am thoroughly confused on whether to use Auxilius or not. Anyone suggestions on best way to resolve this?

Sandtree

Are you aware if liability is in dispute?

I've not dealt with motor claims for a good number of years now but arguing affordability, particularly on an ABI GTA credit hire was fairly rare. What was, in my day at least, much more common was debate over what vehicle was given, the duration of the hire and/or if the third party insurer had offered you assistance prior to you signing up to the credit hire scheme.

If you decide to go down the credit route, just ensure you fully read the documentation before you sign it. Some will hold you blameless as long as you aren't fraudulent and follow their directions about returning the vehicle etc whereas others may look to you for their monies if the Third Party Insurer (TPI) doesn't pay their invoice in full.

As a TPI we would offer an "appropriate" replacement vehicle after discussing your needs with you, live down a country lane that ices up then absolutely we'll pay for a 4x4 replacement, live in central london and only use the car to drop off the kids to the school and supermarket shopping then we'll suggest a 5 door family car may be sufficient for your needs for a week or two. Credit hire companies are more likely to go for a like for like replacement as the fees are higher.

If liability isnt in dispute then the TPI would more than likely be happy to deal with you directly and provide you with an appropriate replacement car. 

astreix

Sandtree said:

Are you aware if liability is in dispute?

Thanks for your response.
I haven't spoken to the other insurer (Haven Insurance) - so not sure if they accept liability.  My daughter has suffered some injuries and we are not sure at this stage if we bring any compensation case against the other driver. I wasn't sure if I should be calling the other insurer, in case it prejudices my case in any way. 

csgohan4

Will there be negatives going through a TPI, other than covering your excess which is a bonus, what about complaints and using repair shop of your choosing, standard of repairs?

Sandtree

In most cases injury and property damage can be dealt with separately if it suites your purposes to do so, the only exception is that they need to be pulled back together if there is a dispute on both parts and litigation is required.

How old is your daughter? Injuries to a minor are intrinsically more complex to deal with as they cannot accept offers on their own and the system is designed to protect them from relatives/representatives that may not have their best interests at heart (not saying you wouldn't but you know)

astreix

Sandtree said:

How old is your daughter? Injuries to a minor are intrinsically more complex to deal with as they cannot accept offers on their own and the system is designed to protect them from relatives/representatives that may not have their best interests at heart (not saying you wouldn't but you know)

She is 17 so would be a minor

dacouch

If you are able to have paid for the hire of then vehicle through normal channels at the normal hire rate there is a strong chance if the third party Insurer challenge the CH that they will ask to see copies of your bank account / credit cards to see if you could have afforded them.
This is not done in all cases but for a longer hire is more likely to happen and Insurers are not fools so tend to ask on cases for executive cars on the basis their owners are more likely to have the funds.
This won't affect you personally apart from some people not being keen on furnishing copies of their bank accounts but may mean ultimately Auxillis end up getting paid the "Spot rate" eg the normal hire cost of the car from a high street hire company. Unless you miss lead Auxilles if they asked you if you could afford to finance your own hire, if they did not ask you then it's their problem

astreix

Just to update after some resistance Auxillius agreed to change the garage to a manufacture approved garage. So I decided to go with Auxillius for the repair.  Will see how it all goes.