Car insurance query

[asherellis]

Hi,
I had a very minor car accident in a supermarket car park recently. There was no damage to my vehicle, or the other parties, and they left the scene taking no details. However, there was previous damage to the other vehicle, so I called my insurance company just to advise them, to be on the safe side (I've since realised that honesty definitely doesn't pay!!!). I have since received correspondance from them to advise me that it is a claim (though I didn't claim as there is no damage to my vehicle, and the other party left with no details so they haven't claimed) and they hace therefore reduced my no claims by 4 years, and increased my monthly payments from £41 per month to £75. They have advised that should no claim be made from the other party in 6 months, they'll reinstate my no claims, though I may not get my money back, that I will have paid, for a non-existent claim. Where do I stand with this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[woozer]

Hi - you did the right thing even though it would appear that your insurers are being unreasonable. If the incident happened before your latest renewal date then they are entitled to reduce your bonus until the possible claim "goes away" . If it is a company that is going to react in this manner, just imagine how quickly they might refuse to deal with a claim that you have not reported within their stipulated time scale. I know you said details were not exchanged but it is an easy matter to get your details from the DVLA just by remembering your registration number. If no claim arises after the six month period and your bonus is reinstated, then they have no right to withhold the return of your overpayment - but some companies will load premiums if you have a non fault accident so if that is their normal practice you will only get back the proportion of the payment relating to the reduced bonus.
I dont believe the insurance ombudsman will deal with any complaint until you have registered a complaint with the insurance company concerned and given them a chance to correct matters. If the insurer does not deal with the matter to your satisfaction then the Ombudsman can be called upon. Good Luck !

[twix123]

In the first instance register a complaint with the insurers following the procedures contained in your policy document, which they are obliged to acknowledge within 5 business days. There are strict time limits to issue a final response to your complaint. At the same time as issuing their final response, if it is not in your favour, they will send you a copy of the Financial Ombudsman Service brochure setting out the process of raising a formal complaint against the insurer.

[joko]

just cancel your policy and find another insurer...your no claims will be intact