how do i claim from another drivers insurance?

Question

he admits liability and all blame, i was parked up at the time

Answer 1

Technically you don't - you claim from the other person and he seeks the protection (indemnity) from his insurance company - you have no right whatsoever to claim on his insurance as you are not a party to that contract - you are a third party.

Now the lesson is over, here is what you do. I assume that you do not have comprehensive cover. If you do it is far easier to get your own insurance company to repair the vehicle and recover their expenses from the other insurer. However you would have an excess as an uninsured loss so the following applies in both cases. I also assume you do NOT have legal expenses insurance - if you do then just contact them and they'll help you.

1) Obtain insurance company details from the other driver - if you call him be pleasant - I find that works best. If you can't obtain them over the phone then you will have to write a letter to him detailing the circumstances of the incident and providing your own contact details. Ask him to forward the letter to the insurer. (He may offer to pay himself - but be careful about accepting this offer if you don't know how much damage has been done). You can include the estimates (q.v.) with this letter.

2) Contact (or wait to be contacted by) his insurance company. If you call provide them with his insurance details, policy number. Outline the circumstances of the incident - The insurers will not admit liability - especially if they have not been notified directly. They will normally ask you for two estimates if the car is driveable (or they may arrange for their approved repairer to take the car in) - if so you should obtain them and send them to the company.

3) Once the company have received the estimates they will normally recommend you to go ahead with the lower - you then pay the bill and send it to them for reimbursement. If the insurers do use an approved repairer then the repairer may bill them directly.

4) This assumes that the other driver 'plays ball' i.e. fills in the forms/ notifies the insurance company and does not dispute liability. If he does not then eventually you may have to go through the courts. It all depends.

5) For more detailed advice - see your local insurance broker. (Or get yourself one) They would have advised you already without the trouble of using forums.

Answer 2

You don't, however your insurance company will. As you were parked the fault issue is a no brainer, especially as he admitted liability, couldn't really not do so could he. Should your Insurance people try to opt for a tit for tat approach, dig your heels in. Complain, and in the last resort go to the Insurance Ombudsman who will take the case up for you. As a final resort you could take out a personal prosecution/claim for damages in the Small Claims Court. This costs very little and you can do the prosecution yourself. Cases are presided over by a judge, who will decide the case on the balance of probability of who was at fault. The burden of proof required is a lot less than in a Criminal Court and relies far more on common sense.

Answer 3

If you have both exchanged insurance details you need to pass on his details to your insurance company. They will send you some forms to fill in regarding the accident and they will then deal with it from there. As long as he has admitted liability to his insurers there will be no problem.
Your insurance company will deal with it and will just contact you for information if and when they need it to complete your claim.

Answer 4

I work in insurance and you need to contact his insurance company immediately. Make sure you also have his phone number and I would keep in mind to see someone license to write down that info down in the event things don't go well. These days you have to act like the police officer when someone hits you.

Answer 5

I assume you exchanged details, names and addresses name of insurance company, time of accident and details of how it happened. Not your best bet is to contact your own insurance company as soon as possible with details of the incident and then leave it all to them. You pay insurance so that they can sort out any problems for you so now is the time to make use of them.

Answer 6

No doubt he will try to retract his admission - insurers advise policy holders to NOT admit liability, and let them assess it instead.

If he is insured it should be simple. Go via your own insurance and they will contact his insurers. If he was not insured, then you are buggered.

Answer 7

Take it to be fixed and have the body shop call his insurance company. You call his insurance company and have them send an adjuster out to look at your car where you want it to be fixed not where they want it fixed. Make sure his insurance company provides you a rent car.

Answer 8

you can get his insurance details and ring them directly , which is what i did last year or ring your own insurance company and given them his details .

either way you can just sit back and let them deal with repairs etc

Ps glad your wernt in car at time

Answer 9

You get his insurance details from him and write to them - ONE WORD of warning - make sure he informs them - if he doesn't you will have afight on your hands because they won't take your word for it and if he doesn't inform them - then there is no accident to report -

Answer 10

you pay insurance premiums your insurance co. is supposed to do the work not you