Car insurance options after claims

The Red Shoes

So my partner crashed the car twice 🙈 last year, once in January, once in July. He was responsible for both crashes, both rear enders. Needless to say his insurance premium has taken a hit, renewal quote is just over €3,000.

The first claim was settled (damage to car of c€800). However, a few months later the driver claimed for personal injury, that's been before the personal injuries board since November. Guards were not called at time as he listened to "Sure it was 50/50. No damage. Drive on!" Once reported to Gardaí a couple of weeks later, following investigation (where claimant had a 'witness') partner got 3 penalty points for careless driving.

The second claim is just for personal injury, no damage to car. That is still outstanding. Thankfully he called the guards this time so no penalty points at least!

There was no damage to his car in either crash so no claim for that.

Anyway, questions are...

Does €3,000 sound reasonable under the circumstances?
Does he have to stay with the same insurance company until all claims are settled?
How long before he can look for insurance elsewhere?
Is there any way of getting the insurance company to hurry up & settle the claims? (He is responsible, we're not disputing anything)
Does period since claim mean since the claim was made or since the claim was settled?

I know two crashes in six months is shocking 😱 but he is almost 15 years driving and these are his only accidents.

Atlantic Dawn

It would be €3k whether his claims were for €500 or for €5million, he's starting again with no no claims and history of crashes.
He will have to stay with same company until they are settled.
When the claims are settled he can then look for a new insurer at next renewal but could be refused based on claims history.
Claims and especially personal injury claims can take years to close out.
Since claim would refer to when accident occured as far as I know.

Out of interest how did the witness result in the 3 penalty points being given, I thought this would need to go to court as no Garda was present to see it?

The Red Shoes

Thanks for your reply.

A weeks or so after the crash he got a call from the Gardai asking him to call in and give a statement as the accident had been reported. He gave a statement & produced insurance. Then about two weeks later he got another call saying that after investigating they felt that he had been driving carelessly as he should have left enough space to stop. They said they were basing this on both accounts and the account of a witness (we don't know where this witness came from, as although it was on a public street there was no suggestion of making a claim or getting witness details at the time of the crash). He then received a letter in the post with the points. He though about appealing it but decided not to & just draw a line under it & move on. Then came a low claim for damage followed by a separate one for personal injuries.