Accident claim

Honest John Back Room » Legal matters
View Threaded
Mon 5 Dec 2011 14:04
Accident claim - Dougie68

Hi,

I really need some impartial advice following an accident last week when a car hit me from behind at a roundabout.

The driver admitted it was her fault and we exchanged details and I called Admiral to let them know about it. They said if I went with Albany Assistance I wouldn't need to pay any excess and my no claims wouldn't be affected. He sold this as the best idea and as I was pretty shaken up I just went with his suggestion.

I've received loads of paperwork from Albany with a Vehicle Repair Finance Agreement and Credit Protection Policy included.

I've also received a letter from Gemini Vehicle Solutions saying they'll cover everything for me to ensure "that you do not become liable for any future costs or potentially difficult legal proceedings".

I'm very worried now about going with Albany in case they rack up the costs and Tesco won't pay and I'm left holding the can.

My neck and shoulder was slightly sore the night it happened and I got pain killers from the doctor the next day. It gets really uncomfortable during the night and when I sit for too long. I don't want to make a fuss now in case I get hit with legal bills.

As I said at the start can anyone give me some impartial advice please?

Many thanks

Dougie

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 5 Dec 2011 14:22
Accident claim - RT

You'll get inudated with "free" offers to get you a wonderful hire car and a fortune in injury damages. believe me it isn't worth the hassle.

Just tell your insurer, Admiral in this case, that you want them to use their recommended repairer and for the repairer to give you a courtesy car while it's being done.

Otherwise you'll spend a fortune on correspondence, lose a day or two to attend medicals and get the nice hire car taken off you at an hours notice if anything comes up where it might not be 100% the other parties fault - even if it's 99:1.

After 14 months I'm yet to see a penny of any compensation for my accident, albeit not a rear end shunt.

Edited by RT on 05/12/2011 at 14:23

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 5 Dec 2011 16:18
Accident claim - oldroverboy

First, as SWMBO says, go and see your GP for any injury, and that way it is on file, secondly, your insurance company can deal with all of the above, or alternatively call tesco and ask them to deal with everything. DO NOT sign any hire agreements or credit for a hire car as the third party will not always pay out , and Finally, ADMIRAL are one of the worst offenders at the "referral fee " game. If you don't need a car, don't get one, and cut the costs.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 6 Dec 2011 13:04
Accident claim - ifithelps

Using an accident management company works fine for some people.

But for the reasons already given, I wouldn't use one unless I absolutely had to.

I would claim directly from the other driver's insurer, and inform my own insurer 'for information'.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 6 Dec 2011 13:48
Accident claim - bonzo dog

I would claim directly from the other driver's insurer

I would claim directly from the other driver, then let him sort out the claim

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 6 Dec 2011 14:00
Accident claim - Dougie68

Thanks OldRoverBoy and others for your comments. Very helpful!

I wasn't thinking straight when I called Admiral at first and the guy made it sound like going with Albany Assistance (to handle the claim) was my best option. When I think about it now it sounded more like Albany would pay Admiral for passing it over. Are these "advisors" on commission to pass claims over or something? One of the letters from Albany says that they are paid £690+VAT for the claim.

And yes I've been getting calls from Accident Lawyers desperate for me to sign an agreement so they can organise a doctor, etc. Needless to say I've NOT replied.

Thanks again guys - this site is a godsend when you're looking for good advice!

Dougie

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 8 Dec 2011 16:13
Accident claim - oldroverboy

ADMIRAL have said to the stock exchange that a ban on referral fees would hit their business and the share price has dropped accordingly. For future use , you can always ask HJ himself, I am sure you can find the link.

8 months ago i had a minor scratch with someone, the other driver did not get my unlisted mobile number, but after informing my insurance co, i started receiving texts, and they hotly denied passing on my detaisl. but they were the only ones who knew!

One bit of advice, NEVER reply stop to a text, just lets them know your number is "live" and your number will be passed on. If it is a phone call ask them who provided them with your number and ask for it to be removed from their lists.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 9 Dec 2011 00:15
Accident claim - Avant

If you want to write to HJ, use:

letters@honestjohn.co.uk

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 19 Dec 2011 13:55
Accident claim - Red&Bold

I am in a similar situation to yourself. i was rear-ended back in june waiting at a round-a-bout. i phoned my insurance (admiral) when i got home and was advised to go with albany assistance. since then they have been great with my claim. i made sure i read all the small print because like yourself it just seemed that admiral was just trying to pass the buck. but it had said that even if there was no response from the other party i would not be liable for any payments. the only money i have had to fork out was £15 for the petrol already in the hire car while mine was fixed. they arranged a medical appt that suited me and have pretty much sorted everything out. the other party has now admitted fault and im assured that i will recieve a pay out by middle of january for my injury claim.

I'm not trying to sell them to you but just thought i would give you my experiance of them. it seems that this is quite common for insurance companies when they feel it is a pretty "open & Shut" case, to pass you on to a third party.

Hope it all works out for you

Edited by Red&Bold on 19/12/2011 at 13:56

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.

Insurance group finder and how to save on insurance