How long to inform insurer of car accident?

Emsloe · 13-08-2015 8:27pm #1

I had a wee bump in the car this evening (my fault), damage to both cars but is mainly scrapes and scratches (as opposed to putting either car off the road). I'm not too bothered about getting my own car fixed but obviously the other driver is. I initially said I'd handle it without my insurance but I'm not sure how much the other driver's claim is likely to be. I've a fully protected NCB and am not worried about the impact on my premium.

How long do I have to tell my insurer I was in an accident? My policy says 'as soon as possible' ? I hear a lot that people hope to settle privately and then change their minds and go through insurance. How long do you have to do that?

To Elland Back · 13-08-2015 8:53pm

Notify them of the accident immediately, even for 'record purposes'. Unless you are dealing with small money and a decent sort of 3rd party, I'd always let insurers handle it

Emsloe · 13-08-2015 9:02pm

Thanks - I really couldn't speculate regarding how much it might cost at all. The third party is not one of the more decent ones regrettably.

Shemale · 13-08-2015 9:03pm

As soon as you are aware of an incident that may give rise to a claim you must notify them no matter how minor you think the incident is.

Insurers can and will reserve their rights and if they do you are on your own.

The company I work for mark all incidents that have been notified more than a week late and will reserve their right if the Insured doesn't co-operate quickly and fully thereafter.

Shemale · 13-08-2015 9:09pm

Emsloe wrote: »

Thanks - I really couldn't speculate regarding how much it might cost at all. The third party is not one of the more decent ones regrettably.

I would recommend you tell them anyway, you can notify it and tell them you are going to settle it privately and it won't affect your bonus/ bonus protection.

I was reviewing two files this week and saw two claims that typify the way the World, has sadly gone.

<snip>

To Elland Back · 13-08-2015 10:52pm

You shouldn't cite examples that are so specific as to possibly be identified by the parties concerned or your employers. I'd edit those if I was you

Shemale · 15-08-2015 9:57pm

To Elland Back wrote: »

You shouldn't cite examples that are so specific as to possibly be identified by the parties concerned or your employers. I'd edit those if I was you

Thanks, at the time I thought I had not said too much but upon reflection....

How long to inform insurer of car accident?

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