Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » I hit a cyclist at a junction - if he claims will I lose my No Claims Bonus?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

I hit a cyclist at a junction - if he claims will I lose my No Claims Bonus?

Yesterday I had an accident with a cyclist. I was at fault; I went into the back of him at a junction on a roundabout. I expected him to move as I had seen the traffic was clear to my right, so I moved off but he didn't. I clearly damaged his carbon fibre bike, although he was not injured and my car was not damaged. I took him and his bike home afterwards. He now wants to claim on my insurance for the damage. My insurers say he has to make the claim, I cannot claim on behalf of him. He estimates around £1500. I have over 12 years no claims and I have no claims protection. Will my premium suffer in these circumstances? Should I just tell him to go ahead and claim?

Asked on 2 July 2018 by Robert Malston

Answered by Honest John
If you have damaged the carbon frame, his bike is not repairable, he would require a new one. Contact your insurer, advise them of the incident and provide his details to them advising he wishes to make a claim. Some insurers have contracts in place with bike suppliers, so they might be able to arrange a replacement. Provide him your insurer's details and advise he makes a claim. Yes, your premiums will rise and you will have lost one of your 'lives' on your protected no claims. You will still have full no claims though.

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
Similar questions
I've been driving for 21 years and never had an accident until this year. I had 21 years of no claims discount, but it wasn't protected. This year I had two incidents, I was at fault both times. Now my...
If I have Protected No Claims Bonus with an insurance company but I then make a claim, what happens if I switch companies at renewal? Will the new company regard me as having no claims or do I have to...
Is there any benefit in paying extra for NCD protection when the insurer says that your insurance premium will rise if you make a claim? Both my wife and I have over 15 years NCD, and if we have a claim...