Should I inform my insurance company about a minor accident where my neighbour hit my car?
My neighbour reversed out of his driveway on Saturday and hit my car, which was parked on the highway. He is full of remorse, admits full liability and is going to submit a claim through his insurance company. I've visited two accident repairers today (Monday) and should receive written repair estimates tomorrow (both suggested about £600).
One repairer has given me a leaflet from ACH (non-fault accident assistance) that states "Popular belief is that you must involve your own insurance company, this is not the case." My husband believes that it is a standard condition laid down by insurance companies that you must notify them of any incident even if a 'no claim' incident. A friend tells me that if I notify my insurance company they'll increase my premium at renewal whether the incident is no claim or not. Another friend advises that my insurance company will pick up any claim from the insurers database and state that my insurance has not been valid since (and if) I did not notify them. What should I be doing please?
One repairer has given me a leaflet from ACH (non-fault accident assistance) that states "Popular belief is that you must involve your own insurance company, this is not the case." My husband believes that it is a standard condition laid down by insurance companies that you must notify them of any incident even if a 'no claim' incident. A friend tells me that if I notify my insurance company they'll increase my premium at renewal whether the incident is no claim or not. Another friend advises that my insurance company will pick up any claim from the insurers database and state that my insurance has not been valid since (and if) I did not notify them. What should I be doing please?
Asked on 5 March 2011 by LC, Trowbridge
Answered by
Honest John
If your neighbour has not yet informed his insurer and you have not yet informed yours then I would recommend he simply pays for the repair at your choice of repairer and that neither of you inform your insurers at all. If you notify your insurers you may both face hiked premiums for the next five years for being involved in a claim and that will amount to a lot more money than the £600 repair. If you ignore this advice and choose to go through insurers, then you must both inform your insurers. If you use an 'accident management company’ your insurer could regard this as a breach of contract that had not “mitigated your expenses” and may refuse part of the claim, leaving you to foot it personally.
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