A pedestrian was knocked over by my car at 10mph - why has my premium increased although neither of us claimed? | Ask Honest John

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A pedestrian was knocked over by my car at 10mph - why has my premium increased although neither of us claimed?

Back in September 2017 I was involved in a collision. I was in a 20mph area, in slow moving traffic (so doing around 10mph) when a young pedestrian walked out from behind a stationary bus without warning. There was no damage to my car and the pedestrian got up and walked off. I had to chase after them to check they were okay and to exchange details, which they refused to do. They did not want to report the matter. Knowing my obligations, I reported the matter to the police and my insurer. Six months have lapsed and my renewal premium has arrived, with an increase of nearly £100. I contacted the insurer based on previous advice I have seen on HJ and confirmed that no claim had been made by the third party and I certainly wasn't making a claim (I had notified them for information only). They stated that while they were waiting for a report from police they could not close the matter and that a claim could still be received. I have said I want to raise a complaint because I do not feel I have been treated fairly. Do you have any further advice or suggestions?

Asked on 30 April 2018 by 02100kph

Answered by Honest John

They are abiding by the regulations. A claimant has up to six years to make a claim (statute of limitations under EU law). If the other party refused to exchange details, ask your insurer if they have had any contact, as well as what limit they apply to waiting for any notification of a claim. Tell them that you notified them for information purpose only and that you were in no way making a claim. You insist they close this notification down and reinstate your policy until which point they have any communication from the other party. Raise a complaint and then complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Tags: insurance increased premium notifying insurer

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