Sloooooooow Motor Insurance Claim + Increased Premium!

markyh

I made a claim in late October after another driver came out of a side road into the side of my car (that I'd bought a week earlier).

He later denied responsibility, saying that it was actually my fault (that he was already coming out of the junction turning right and that i went around him).

It's now February and despite calling regularly for updates, their response is that they are chasing the other insurer, who say they are investigating.

Anyway, the result of this is that when my insurance was renewed in December, the premium had doubled. When I queried this, they said that it was due to an unresolved claim, but once it has beed sorted out, my premium would be reduced retrospectively. I didn't mind so much at the time as I didn't think it would take this long, but as it's dragging on now, the extra money is taking it's toll (coupled with the fact that I can't sell my old car yet as I need it to get to work, which is also heavier on fuel - hence the reason I bought the new one!).

Is it right that they can increase the premiums like this?

Also, isn't there a limit to the amount of time the other insurer has to "investigate"? Surely they can't just keep saying this?

P.S. I had 3rd party insurance only!

lisyloo

He later denied responsibility, saying that it was actually my fault

Did you get any independent witnesses?
If not then I'm sorry to say it but it will probably go 50/50 because it's your word against his.
No insurance company will spend thousands in court with no independent witnesses.

but once it has beed sorted out, my premium would be reduced retrospectively

Only if you are found to be innocent and they get all the money back from the 3rd parties insurer.

coupled with the fact that I can't sell my old car yet as I need it to get to work, which is also heavier on fuel - hence the reason I bought the new one!

You've lost me here. Why do you need 2 cars?
Is the old one off the road?

Is it right that they can increase the premiums like this?

They are a private business and they can charge what they like.
You are off course free to shop around but wherever you go the accident will be counted against you until it's settled.

Also, isn't there a limit to the amount of time the other insurer has to "investigate"? Surely they can't just keep saying this?

These things do take some time to resolve.
If nagging isn't working then you can make a formal complaint to try and speed things along., but yes it does take time.
I'm not being horrible but you aren't the only person in the queue for claims handlers, assesors etc.

In your posistion I would be on to them quite a lot. Start by being nice and charming (often best way to get people to help you).
If that doesn't work then get the big guns out and go down the route of an official complaint. Make sure you follow the "offical complaints procedure", don't just send a letter to any old address, it might not get to the right people.
If you want to take a cautious approach and make sure you aren't fobbed off then keep an electronic copy and send it by recorded delivery (70p).
If they'll accept a word document by email then so much the better (switch on receipts).

markyh

No witnesses, everybody helpfully drove off before I'd even got out of the car! In hindsight I should have blocked the road until I got their details!

Although I had been thinking, even if they went by his account of things, that it would still be his fault.

The car looks to be a write off, so is un-drivable. I bought it with a buyer lined up for my old car, but have had to keep it now.

I realise I'm not the only person in the queue - I suppose I'm just frustrated with it all and getting impatient!

If it was settled 50/50, what would that mean, bearing in mind it was only 3rd party insurance? Would I have to cover costs of repair? And would my premium then go back down?