Insurance claims for small bodywork damage caused by passenger

Anthear

Hi everyone - would be interested in your views.  I was a passenger in a vehicle I am not insured to drive - my door was caught by the wind and knocked the car next to us making a small dent.  

What's the insurance position on this?  I am not insured to drive this car and wasn't the driver.  Has anyone dealt with this kind of situation before - what did you do?

Many thanks for all your comments

DullGreyGuy

Presumably the person driving was insured to drive it and therefore that policy will cover the actions of its passengers. 

Does the vehicle you were in have damage or just the neighbouring car? The Excess is only payable if there is a claim for own damage, not for the third party. If you feel obliged to help the driver out with the excess/impact on future premiums is mainly down to your own morals - their insurer won't be interested at all

Mark_d

The car you were in was presumably insured.  This insurance policy should cover public liability - and this would include damage to the car next to you.

Anthear

Hi - yes, the car I was in is insured, so that would mean a claim on that driver's policy??  It seems like a huge expense to go to for a very small dent.... 

eskbanker

Anthear said:

Hi - yes, the car I was in is insured, so that would mean a claim on that driver's policy??  It seems like a huge expense to go to for a very small dent.... 

The driver's policy is clearly the only one that's applicable here, regardless of your feelings about the cost, or are you perhaps wanting to pay out of your own pocket?

Anthear

But my question is, does the driver's policy cover the actions of passengers??  Paying out of my pocket is clearly an option.  I didn't think the actions of passengers were covered - maybe I am wrong about that?

DullGreyGuy

Anthear said:

But my question is, does the driver's policy cover the actions of passengers??  Paying out of my pocket is clearly an option.  I didn't think the actions of passengers were covered - maybe I am wrong about that?

Already answered above, yes they do. 

In Direct Line's policy book they have the following, other insurers will have something similar:

Cover for other people

We’ll also cover any of the following people for their liability to others:

> Anyone insured by this policy to drive your car, if they have the policyholder’s permission.

> Anyone that the policyholder allows to use, but not drive, your car.

> Anyone getting into or out of your car.

> The legal representative of anyone covered if that person dies.

> The employer or business partner of anyone covered while your car is being used for business purposes, if your certificate of motor insurance includes business use.

Anthear

@DullGreyGuy - thanks for this - I didn't know that but that info is useful.  Thanks again.

DullGreyGuy

Anthear said:

@DullGreyGuy - thanks for this - I didn't know that but that info is useful.  Thanks again.

The Road Traffic Act requires motor vehicles to be insured including damages caused by passengers. For bodily injury it must be uncapped and for property damage at least £1.2m. You won't find any insurance for sale in the UK that doesn't meet the RTA requirements (assuming its from a licensed insurer etc) 

Ignoring the carve out for council vehicles, emergency vehicles etc which dont apply to the normal punter. 

Gone too is the former ability to deposit a bond with the Supreme Court, was £15k in 1988 and went up to £500k before being scrapped

sheslookinhot

Anthear said:

Hi - yes, the car I was in is insured, so that would mean a claim on that driver's policy??  It seems like a huge expense to go to for a very small dent.... 

a small dent on a door should be about £100, maybe some change.

Anthear

sheslookinhot said:

Anthear said:

Hi - yes, the car I was in is insured, so that would mean a claim on that driver's policy??  It seems like a huge expense to go to for a very small dent.... 

a small dent on a door should be about £100, maybe some change.

You'd hope so, wouldn't you?!  If it goes through the insurance I reckon it will be well into 4 figures.....