Can an insurer insist that a minor scratch is recorded as an incident?

My car was inspected by an independent motor engineer in relation to an alleged incident with a parked vehicle. The minor scratches were found by me two years ago and no other vehicle or third party involved. The engineer reported that the car had been repaired. The insurer has listed the repair on the central database as an incident 'no claim'. I cannot find in the policy wording any condition justifying their action. The insurer says any scratch or stone 'chip' damage however small, has to be listed.
Is this correct? It seems a way of increasing car insurance premiums.

Asked on 16 August 2019 by JACK GIBSON

Answered by Honest John

No, they cannot. Whether you claim is up to you, no one else. In relation to reporting an incident, the only legal requirement to report details to your insurer falls under the Road Traffic act where you have hit another party and caused damage that "may seek rise to a claim". Request from your insurer proof that an incident occurred, damage was caused, the loss quantified. Advise you will sue under section 138D of the Financial Service and Markets act under CONRED5 www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/CONRED/Sch/5/5.ht...l for any increased premiums as a result of their actions.

Raise a complaint requesting they remove the details. Then take to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Tags: insurance financial ombudsman service insurance policy

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