Someone who works with SWMBO, has recently passed his test, is about 19, has TPFT cover with no uninsured loss recovery, has been involved in a non - fault accident.
A bus hit a car behind him, shunted that into him, then he was shunted into another car in front. His car is a write off.
I don't believe that Police were in attendance.
What is the best route for him to take to ensure he is compensated in full for his loss and suffers no hit on his NCD?
OK I know what should happen in a perfect world, ie for him not to be out of pocket, but without uninsured loss recovery, it's going to be difficult, and I'm concerned that he'll get hammered when he can't afford it.
How can he best protect himself?
Can anyone recommend any good firms of solicitors specialisingin this area in the West Devon area who will act on a no win no fee basis?
I am concious that there are protocols but when you pitch an insurance company against a 19 year old with no car, these can often be ignored.
Any good advice would be much appreciated - Thanks
Hugo
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Sorry I can't supply the name of a solicitor in your area.
All I can say is, I went through one of these types of solicitor and it did exactly what it said on the tin. I got my car repaired (when it would otherwise have been written off) at the other parties expense and had all costs refunded (hire car, the lot). Go for it, it?s probably the best thing for him to do. The only thing that put me off was the loan agreement, but if the companies worth their salt, they'll not allow you to get one if they don't think the case will be successful.
A £500 repair bill turned into nearly £1500 by the time we'd finished with them.
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I don't understand the comments about uninsured loss recovery - unless, as has just dawned, you mean no insurance or service for uninsured loss recovery ?
I suspect that he's going to have much less issue than you think, providing he doesn't ignore the process. Don't forget that since he was shunted into a car in front of him, that car isa lso going to be pursuing the bus company - and if that was someone older, with a more expensive car, and will some kind of loss recovery service, then the bus company is likely to be up against it.
I presume he believs his car to be a write-off because of value versus damage ? Where is the car now ?
He should;
Get a letter from a garage confirming the vehicle is trashed.
Send that (keep a copy) to the bus company explaining that it is their fault and that he requires an immediate response to prevent expenses for car storage and replacement car getting to high (it doesn't matter whether either are relevant, say it anyway).
While he's waiting for a response, get hold of the driver of the front car and get the SP from him.
Hopefully it will all shake-through from there. If I've misunderstood or missed something, or something goes awry, then he needs to deal with it straight away - here for advice if he wishes.
I would encourage him to enter the forum himself, chinese whispers and all that - no offence intended.
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Try:
www.helphire.co.uk
telephone 0500 224455
They can certainly sort him out a hire car, at the other driver's expense, and will also deal with uninsured losses too.
If it was a Vauxhall, no matter how old, try Vauxhall Accident Support:
vauxhall.co.uk/masterfit/products/accidentSupport....l
telephone 0800 010304
The other major manufacturers might run their own schemes.
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Well thanks all who replied so far.
NoFM2R, you're right about the uninsured loss recovery. Unfortunately from what I've been told he does not have this service tacked onto his policy, so he would have to hire his own solicitor or deal with 3rd party insurers himself.
I am going to try to get him to sign up to this forum. I believe the facts I posted are pretty accurate but maybe not entirely complete, although I should have the main points. I've posted as much as SWMBO has told me.
He'll be able to fill in any gaps if he comes here, which I'm sure he will.
It sounds like from what NoFM2R is saying that he may not have too much to fear in terms of reaching a reasonable settlement, especially if everyone is claiming from the bus company's insurance.
Many thanks to NoFM2R for a detailed and helpful response, despite the 3rd hand nature of the info I posted, and for the offer of further advice.
Also many thanks to Roberson and dmahon for suggestions for recovery schemes.
Hugo
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Everyone should pay the £17-£20 for legal assisatance - I have paid it for years and only used it once - it was worth masses as without it I would probably not pursued the 3rd party.
3rdd Party or Comprehensive Insurance - Legal cover is an essential
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I agree that it's good advice to pay the extra - if you're offered the option. Sometimes however, people aren't informed of this and hence may not know of this benefit.
It's rather like having your mobile phone stolen 3 weeks after you bought it when you didn't know you could sign up for 3 months free insurance. I thought that had happened to me, but after reporting it to the network and police etc, guess what I found in the car :)
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