One of the local windies has had his van damaged by an East European driver who cut into his lane on a round about leaving him nowhere to go.
The unknown insurance company requested this windie pay the insurance excess upfront before they would act any further. A week has now gone by and the insurance company have appeared to have not made contact with this driver's insurance and have told this windie that they can only commence to settle the claim once they have confirmation that this European driver's insurance will accept the claim.
I thought that the reason for having fully comprehensive insurance is that the insurer's van is covered - say in the case of an accident with a non insured driver.
I have suggested that this windie contact the insurance ombudsman and make a complaint as what's happening doesn't make sense.
This windie is in 'no man's land' at the moment. He has an 04 plate Vivaro which the insurance company will probably value at about £1500 - £2000, so looking at the van I would be pretty sure that it would cost more than that to repair.
I've suggested that, as he needs to keep is round going as well as his carpet cleaning business, he's best to go out and finance another van, which he is relunctant to do. I doubt the outcome of this accident is going to be good for him.
Anyone had a similar experience?
I have also made a note to talk to my present insurers when my policy comes up for renewal to ask them to go through the steps they will take should the same thing happen and will make sure they record the telephone call.