Land Rover - Insurance query

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Tue 12 Aug 2014 22:00
Land Rover - Insurance query - Mrs Pontipine

The other day someone backed into the side or my car while I was leaving a car park. We agreed to sort it out privately so I got some quotes and they were happy with the lowest.

They want me to get the work done, they'll take a look and pay for it.

What do I do if they don't show up when the work is done and I don't ever hear from them again. Can I then make a claim on their insurance for the bill or will I be out of pocket? There was a witness and no question of liability.

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Tue 12 Aug 2014 22:44
Land Rover - Insurance query - Manatee

They? There was only one driver wasn't there? If you aren't happy, tell him or her that you are not prepared to do that, and if they aren't happy with what you have agreed you will make a claim.

You would not be acting unreasonably.

If you are feeling especially mischievous you could tell him or her about your whiplash.

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 00:18
Land Rover - Insurance query - bathtub tom

Mrs pon-tip-un-ee

Did you get anything in writing?

If not, It's not worth the paper It's (not) written on!

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 00:53
Land Rover - Insurance query - Mrs Pontipine

Surely the only thing worth anything is the cash in my hand before I go to the garage to get the work done. If I have to make a claim, I'm covered. Driver admitted fault in front of witness who saw the crash.

They, because I didn't want to announce that sadly it was a lady that backed into me (its never blokes, is it...)

My question is, if this does go pearshaped and they don't foot the bill once the work is done is can I still go to my insurer without any problems?

Sorry if this sounds naive but some of us have driven for years without getting into this kind of situation!

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 07:40
Land Rover - Insurance query - Manatee
What do you think the insurer would say if you asked them? If you were to put a claim in afterwards they could put you to proof that there was ever any damage at all. You'd have to make a claim to know the answer.

Why do you think the Land Rover driver is being reluctant? If they want you to accept this arrangement, it should be your rules.

I predict she will change her story, witness or no.
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Wed 13 Aug 2014 10:42
Land Rover - Insurance query - Mrs Pontipine

Good point.I need to get the cash before the work is done. After all, I'm doing her a favour by not claiming so the least she can do is cough up in advance. If I spend it on something else then that's my choice.

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 10:56
Land Rover - Insurance query - madf

I suggest you will never see a penny...Claim now..

I trust you have witness statements.

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 11:28
Land Rover - Insurance query - Manatee

I'll go with that. People who want to pay to make it go away are usually helpful. Please let us know what happens!

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 14:07
Land Rover - Insurance query - galileo

I suggest you will never see a penny...Claim now..

I trust you have witness statements.

Most insurance policies specify that you notify the insurer AS SOON AS POSSIBLE of any incident for which you may claim.

You can 'report' this to your insurer stating that this is an admitted 'no fault' incident and the third party has promised to pay.

If they don't pay you may then be able to convert the 'report' into a 'claim', but If you haven't told them the insurer can point out you have not followed the policy rules and could refuse to cough up.

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 13:36
Land Rover - Insurance query - Cyd

This lady may be completely genuine. However, to protect yourself give her a defined period (say 5 working days) to produce the money (either BACS to your account or preferably cash). Only then have the repair carried out.

No cash at the end of the defined period = insurance claim.

Simples.

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 13:49
Land Rover - Insurance query - Cyd

just to add:

she may be completely genuine, but she may have a [less than honest] relative who may take exception to the arrangement before or after funds are handed over. When I was self employed I had a similar thing happen after an old lady had a fire in her consumer unit. It had to be replaced. But before I could get it done, son-in-law took exception to the diagnosis and was very agressive.

Not saying it will happen (and this was an isolated case with a particularly big headed chump), but do just be aware of the pitfalls.

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Wed 13 Aug 2014 19:30
Land Rover - Insurance query - gordonbennet

Similar thing when SWMBO reversed into an older chap in a car park, he got a couple of quotes that we thought fair, she sent him a cheque, he sent her a lovely thankyou note...if he spent the money on women wine and song so what.

I agree the money should be forthcoming once a reasonable quote has been agreed, any reluctance there probably tells you all you need to know.

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