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Why have so many different companies contacted me to handle my insurance claim?

I was rear ended in slow moving traffic and reported it to my insurer who is a broker. Within a few hours I have had offers to repair the car and manage the claim from:

My broker
My policy underwriter
The other drivers insurance company's claims management company.

I'm now told the other drivers company has accepted total liability with no fault on my side. I'm confused - what are the pitfalls of choosing which one to go with as it seems to be my choice?

Asked on 15 October 2018 by newsueian

Answered by Honest John
If you go through your own insurer, you have the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you are not happy. Going through the other parties insurance, you do not have this. Letting the other parties insurance deal directly saves them money, but is a conflict of interest. You are best either instructing your own claims management company (who work for you not the at fault insurer) should things go wrong, you can complain to an Ombudsman.
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