Insurance Advice.

[Bazzlad]

Hey all,

The other day I had a lovely lady drive into the back of me.

Not much damage to either car, but I was driving my passat and I've only had it for a week. As you can imagine, I want the (relatively) minor damage fixed.

We agreed to hold fire on the insurance claims and I got a quote done from Chips Away. £161.

Called her today and she's not so keen. She's going to check her insurance policy (obviously checking her excess).

The problem I have is this.
I checked through my policy (which I took out online) and I've noticed it says I have no points. That isn't true. I have 3 (speeding). I know when I call to log the accident they'll ask me how many points I have, and I know I'll tell them I have 3.

Will this invalidate my claim (even though she's 100% liable?)

Should I call my insurance now and tell them about the points, or after all this has happened?

[Syd]

I don't have any personal experience with this, but I am aware of insurance companies using pretty much anything to NOT payout. Infact any incorrect data you give them will invalidate the policy. If you tell them now and then subsequently report the accident at at date prior to the notification it may prove an issue. I would continue to try to settle outside of insurance, then tell your insurnce co about the points. (Even maybe if it means taking a slightly lower amount - ie her excess)

[staffsMike]

You're duty bound to correct any mistakes (preferably the day it comes..) as of course they will become slippery eels when it comes to any sort of pay out.

In this situation as you are not liable it's not going to be a big issue, just get it sorted now you've spotted it. If however you revised it and then attempted to claim within a short space of time they would be all over you like white on rice..

[Barakka]

Do you remember telling them about the 3 points ?

It might be they know but haven't listed them, if it's just an SP30 offence a lot of insurers don't even count it.

[Barney]

sp30 will still show, you better ring em ASAP to be safe.

say you told them but it doesnt show, then you can moan like hell when they charge you more.

[Saracen]

Did you have the points when you took out the insurance? If so, make sure that if you didn't tell them then, you do so know. It shouldn't invalidate the insurance, but it might involve extra premium, if they see it as increasing the risk.

As for her, you might advise her not just to think about her excess, but her next premium, and while protected NCB might protect the bonus (with that company) it won't necessarily stop them loading up the basic premium.

IF I were her, for £160, I'd rather pay it myself. But even in your shoes, I'd still notify my insurer of the accident, even if I didn't want to claim or for them to get involved at this stage.

[Barney]

if he does tell them it still counts as an accident in there eyes and his premium will go up as well even if its not his fault. i proved that getting quotes for the wife a couple of years back.

[kalniel]

if he does tell them it still counts as an accident in there eyes and his premium will go up as well even if its not his fault.

Didn't happen to me. I notified but made no claim, and there was no premium increase (it fell slightly actually).

[peterb]

if he does tell them it still counts as an accident in there eyes and his premium will go up as well even if its not his fault. i proved that getting quotes for the wife a couple of years back.

Depends on the insurance company - but you are duty bound to declare anything that might increase the risk. If it doesn't result in a claim and under the circumstances (someone running into the back of you) it should make no difference. You can always shop around at renewal time anyway - but again, make sure you declare anything that may affect the insurance company's risk assessment.

As for this case - you don't have to get your insurance company involved, you can pursue the clam against her yourself, however you could end up with a fight if she then informs her insurance company and they dispute things. Do you have witnesses?

However, as others have said, far better to settle this amicably with her.