I had a crash in my car last week. The insurance has just rang me and said there is a problem because they did'nt know there was alloy wheels on the car - I was not aware this was a modification and was never asked about alloy wheels - they where on the car when I bought it.
Can they refuse my insurance claim??
2007-09-12 02:09:23 · 7 answers · asked by EMA 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Technically they can, due to non-disclosure, however if the alloy wheels had nothing to do with the crash then they will probably allow the claim (As they have to treat you fairly and ABI rules state that a company should not unreasonably turn down the claim) - maybe making you pay a small additional premium to cover the change in risk (they may or may not cover the alloys)
Please note that if, for instance, your car had been stolen the insurance company would have argued that they alloy wheels made the theft more likely and then would be justified in turning down the claim.
Applying for car insurance is a minefield - it is not like buying a can of beans from a supermarket (although many supermarkets try and make you believe it is!)
2007-09-12 23:37:33 · answer #1 · answered by welcome news 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If, as already mentioned, the vehicle has been modified from standard specification for that model, including wheels then yes they can refuse to pay out on your claim. If the alloys are standard spec, or even a dealer special deal (would need evidence) then no, they must pay.
You might be able to argue the fact that you were unaware that the alloys were not standard as these days alloys are thought of as normal on even the most basic of cars.
Might be worth seeking legal advice?
Good luck... Insurance companies suck! lol
2007-09-12 11:06:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not heard of that. My insurance does not cover add-ons without paying extra. I found this out when a hit and run driver bent my running boards. I can't imagine what the alloy wheels have to do with denying a claim except not replacing them if damaged in an accident.
2007-09-12 09:22:26 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds shady to me. Looks like they should have seen that when they inspected the car when you got insurance on it. I was in a crash and the other insurance company was trying to stiff me so i got my insurance to pay for the damage and then my insurance attacked the other persons insurance and got the other insurance to pay. They will always hassle you about paying, but you need to stand your ground and make sure you don't get stiffed. I don't seen how having alloy wheels has anything to do with a crash. hope it works out for you. good luck
2007-09-12 09:20:06 · answer #4 · answered by Randall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they cannot refuse your claim. Do not let them tell you otherwise. Alloy wheels is not a modification that you have to report. If they give you a hard time, contact the local insurance commission.
2007-09-12 09:29:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the alloys are standard equipment then no they can not refuse, but if they are after market (you or previous owner put them on) and you didn't tell them then yes they can refuse.
2007-09-12 09:21:49 · answer #6 · answered by psychoticgenius 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately, yes. they can refuse a claim for the smallest detail.
2007-09-12 09:14:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋