Presumably if you weren't added to her policy the increase wouldn't apply to her renewal quotes, is that workable for you?

A phone call to her own insurer and some friendly bargaining might prove fruitful, it has for many of us who were looking at increases this year, either way £70 penalty for what would have been a sizeable claim if genuine parts were used isn't the end of the world.

Will your own NCD be affected come renewal for your car or did you have a protected policy, if no protection you could be doubly hit when your renewal comes due.

Different situation to you but my insurance premium went up from £420 to £1960 this year. I had an accident earlier this year, car in front pulled onto roundabout and stopped, I was looking right to see if it was clear, it was so my fault. Premium came in few months later so thought it was down to the accident but on checking on the net Lexus cars are being targeted by thieves and this is the main reason of the increase. Now not all insurance companies will insure Lexus NX/RX models.

Insurance companies put premiums up for any reason they dream up. No claims bonus dosen't get you a brass razoo off your next premium. It's all a stitchup.