Declaring an accident to insurers

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 08:57
Declaring an accident to insurers - lezlinus

I wonder if someone can help with the legal aspects here. My partner had an accident in his work van last week. He's a mobile mechanic and his insurance covers him to drive all vehicles. However, he also has other private vehicles under separate insurance policies. So, the question is, does he have to declare the accident to all insurers or not? Each vehicle has its own NCB so I'm thinking that these should not be affected. After all, he is only claiming on one insurance and not all. Also, if he does have to declare to all, does he have to do it immediately or only on renewal of each policy? All advice very welcome.

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 09:12
Declaring an accident to insurers - RT

When the proposal form asks the question "any accident, claims or convictions including pending prosecutions within the last x years" - that has to be answered honestly, even if a claim was made on another policy.

As he has several policies on different vehicles, this accident will need to be declared to all of them - it won't affect his NCD on the other policies but it may affect his base premium.

My understanding is that the other policies only need informing at annual renewal time but the introduction of continuous insurance with no annual renewal makes me wonder.

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 10:59
Declaring an accident to insurers - lezlinus

Thanks for the reply and your time RT.

I'm sure the base premiums would increase, unfarily so though really.

It may be that only your last comment needs some thought then. I guess with any continuous renewal you need to inform the insurers of any change to your original circumstances. Could just plead ignorance unless challenged maybe!

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 11:42
Declaring an accident to insurers - Bromptonaut

Problem is that the most likley circumstance for challenge is another accident/claim.

Oh I forgot/didn't know of need to tell anyone might not wash then.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 08/11/2012 at 11:43

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 11:50
Declaring an accident to insurers - RT

The increase in base premiums for all the policies isn't unfair - statistically the person is now a higher risk in all the cars they're insured for, not just the one they had the accident in.

I don't think you can ever get away with pleading ignorance about anything when it comes to law or insurance !

Edited by RT on 08/11/2012 at 11:51

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 12:45
Declaring an accident to insurers - FP

"Could just plead ignorance unless challenged maybe!"

You're on very dangerous ground with that one.

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 13:20
Declaring an accident to insurers - unthrottled

The loading for a declared accident (but with no claim) varies a lot between insurers. Some insurers weight it almost as heavily as a claim while others only add a small percentage.

Best to be honest about it. If your insurer decides that they don't want your business come renewal time, make a cup of tea, and find one that does!

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Thu 8 Nov 2012 13:41
Declaring an accident to insurers - lezlinus

Thank you to all - your knowledge and advice is very much appreciated. Will probably just come clean, to be on the safe side.

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Sat 10 Nov 2012 05:03
Declaring an accident to insurers - 1litregolfeater

Just a 'probably' then. Not a high index in your faith in the integrity of our home grown money spinning insurance industry.

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