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“Catch 22!! ”
Written on: 26/01/2012 by ruthest
A deer ran out of the undergrowth and collided with my car last weekend and thought I would check with my insurer if there was clause under which I was covered despite having 3rd Party Fire and Theft. I wasn't - which was fine as I kind of knew I wouldn't be.
Worried that the car might be a write off I checked my Gap insurance (which I had with another insurer) and realised to my horror that I was only covered by this policy if I held Fully Comprehensive Insurance. So I got back on to Budget to ask for an upgrade - they told me they were unable to provide a quote as I had a claim in progress. I explained that I was not claiming because I was not covered. And was told that irrespective of whether I claimed or not the incident would go down on my history as a "Loss"!! So when I come to ask them for an upgrade quote my No Claims Bonus will be reduced to 3 years - I should add I have been driving for 21 years and never had an accident or made a claim on any insurance policy I have held (which is in part my reason for using 3rd party Fire And Theft cover). Coincidentally I have just renewed with this company (first payment went out yesterday!!!) so I dread to think what the financial implications will be of cancelling my policy to move somewhere else.
I ran compare the market to get a new quote and can get better cover cheaper elsewhere ... or from Budget ... if I was a new customer!!!!!!! I am currently paying £100 more for 3rd Party Insurance than they are offering for fully comp to new customers despite having been with them for 5 years and never made a claim.
I know a lot of the above comes down to sods law and that all insurance companies would probably behave the same way in this situation but I thought publishing the details might make other people aware of what could happen ... if you have an accident which was completely not your fault and you do not have sufficient cover.
Am just off down the garage to give them £550 for fixing my car!!!!
