what's the meaning of unattended vehicle?

Question

is it unattended if you are under 10 meters away from the car

i ask cos my car was stolen, and they saying because i left it unattended im not insured

yes the keys were in the car i was selling it to a person that said he wanted it and he stole it now i cant claim i dont know what to do

and yes i am insured why would i try an claim if i was'nt

also the police caught the fellow that stole it and he is being nicked for it, so dont you think i should be entitled to something

i am insured im still insured 2 months after it has bin stolen the car is smashed to bits where he tried to get away from the police so i cant use it ever again, IM STILL INSURED ok

can i just say that my partner was with the seller when this happened, so its not a womens fault, i have learnt not to trust anyone now

Answer 1

Now I have some sympathy for your case. Most answers here seem to be saying you're at fault. You're not. Some Insurance companies will try everything to get out of a claim, however all is not lost. You need to contact the Insurance Ombudsman!

I quote from his site -

Most motor insurers won't pay for stolen cars when the keys are in or near the vehicle. At the extreme, this can lead to car-jackings being excluded. The ombudsman says

If insurers intend to use exclusions of this type to defeat the sort of claims most people would expect to be met, they will have to give these terms extra prominence. It is not enough to say the policyholder had an opportunity to read his policy and understand what the insurer would not pay for. If an insurer will not pay for some thefts, it must make this abundantly clear.

The ombudsman gives some examples of complaints they have dealt with.

The policyholder left the keys in his car when he went to speak to his son about 8 feet away, and thieves drove the car off. The ombudsman held that the insurer was liable despite an exclusion clause.

The policyholder backed out of his garage and popped back into the house for 30 seconds. When he came back out, the car had been stolen. The ombudsman accepted the claim, saying the policyholder had not been reckless.

Now that should make you smile!

The Ombudsman will take up the case on your behalf, so don't worry. Make a clear written record of the events, include the police crime number and contact him here - [e-mail]

I hope this helps. Never give up ,or in, to large companies!

Answer 2

PLEASE MAKE UP YOUR MIND- FIRST YOUR INSURED THEN YOUR NOT.

I'M SORRY THAT YOUVE BEEN HAD, BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED WITH THE GEEZA AT ALL TIMES OR EVEN BETTER HAD SOME ONE WITH YOU WHEN YOU WERE SELLING IT

Answer 3

Being unattended comes in three parts - proximity, visibility and time. The closer you are, the shorter the period you are away from the vehicle and if you could see the vehicle are all factors that would be in your favour.

Just a note.

The first thing you will have to do is to issue a complaint against the insurance company about not paying the claim - they will appoint someone to look into it.

It is only once the complaints procedure has been dealt with that the FOS can be called into play.

'Being unattended' is a very vague phrase and the FOS tends to treat it under the 'contra-proferentem' rule i.e. any ambiguity will be dealt with in favour of the insured.

Answer 4

"Get it dropped"? Are you kidding? 16, no license and driving a buddy's car and hit someone then left the scene. You won't be getting out of anything and will not be getting a license until you are at least 21. Maybe longer. It will be whatever you deserve for being stupid.

Answer 5

that would depend on the context. If you are referring to leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running, then it is unattended the minute you get out of the drivers seat.

Answer 6

The second the driver and/or the last passenger steps out of the vehicle it is classed as unattended.

Answer 7

If you leave the engine running (keys in ignition etc) and leave it to enter a shop step away from it, then your car is classed as unattended, therefore it will not be insured. (always read the small print) Also if people leave their cars unattended and they are seen by the Police you will be liable for a ticket.

Answer 8

If you exited your vehicle, and left your windows open, or your doors unlocked or your keys in the ignition, then you have left your vehicle unattended and your insurance is null and void.

Answer 9

when somebody is NOT INSIDE the vehicle

Answer 10

ring them back and say if wasn't un attended i would of been inside it obviously the car has to be unattended to be stolen that's what you pay insurance for if still unsure ring another insurance company and ask them i think the are having a laugh stand your ground was the car locked??