Irritating insurance
Question
A relative of a neighbour recently hit my wall with their car and knocked over a large section of my garden wall. They then drove off without stopping. The wall cost £250 to rebuild so I found out her contact details and got in touch with her car insurance company.
I've tried to claim the money back but she won't fill in the claim forms they've sent her so they claim there is nothing they can do.
Are the insurers dodging their responsibilities and can I try the small claims court to get the money back?
Answer
The insurance company is correct in saying there's little they can do if the person involved is refusing to answer their letters. The driver is dodging their responsibility by refusing to acknowledge the incident.
One option would be to talk to the neighbour who knows the driver, in the hope that the situation can be resolved amicably. If this isn't possible then you could consider contacting your own household insurance company to see how they would be able to help.
It may be necessary to take the case to the small claims court, to try and get the money for the damage done. Often insurance companies will be able to provide legal help, for example their solicitors may handle the case for you. So the best option at this stage would be to contact them and see what help your insurers can provide.
Updated: 09/06/2009
Question answered by CAB
