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Dear Honest John,
2 years ago I hit a pothole. It ripped the tyre wall and buckled the alloy wheel. I reported it to the local authority who said they had no knowledge of the hole so they weren't liable. Fair enough.
The bill to fix the car came to over £600 including the new alloy, a new tyre and the tracking etc. etc. I decided to ask my insurer what would be involved if I were to claim via them. BIG MISTAKE. I was told that if I did claim it would effect the premium when I renew next year (despite having at the time 10 years protected no claims) that plus the excess charge didn't really make it worth it so I swallowed the bill of £600 myself. I have just renewed my policy with the same insurer (Elephant) last week. Today however I received a bill for a further £40.82 for the 'claim' I made 2 years ago, even though I did not pursue it. Just because I made an enquiry I am now classed as a high risk. This has added 15% to my insurance premium and I feel it is frankly outrageous.
Any thoughts on this.
Best regards,
Eddie
2 years ago I hit a pothole. It ripped the tyre wall and buckled the alloy wheel. I reported it to the local authority who said they had no knowledge of the hole so they weren't liable. Fair enough.
The bill to fix the car came to over £600 including the new alloy, a new tyre and the tracking etc. etc. I decided to ask my insurer what would be involved if I were to claim via them. BIG MISTAKE. I was told that if I did claim it would effect the premium when I renew next year (despite having at the time 10 years protected no claims) that plus the excess charge didn't really make it worth it so I swallowed the bill of £600 myself. I have just renewed my policy with the same insurer (Elephant) last week. Today however I received a bill for a further £40.82 for the 'claim' I made 2 years ago, even though I did not pursue it. Just because I made an enquiry I am now classed as a high risk. This has added 15% to my insurance premium and I feel it is frankly outrageous.
Any thoughts on this.
Best regards,
Eddie
Asked on 12 May 2012 by EddieTemple
Answered by
Honest John
Fair warning and it is something I have repeatedly warned people about. If you so much as mention a problem to many insurers it goes on you policy as a 'claim' whether you actually claim or not. Do not ever mention to your insurer anything that would cost less than your excess, because then you get nothing from your insurer and still get penalised.
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