My wife had an accident as a named driver on my policy. Does this mean we've BOTH had an accident?

Question

We have a Direct Line policy where named drivers can build their own no claims bonus. She's had an accident (at fault) twice in just over a year.

When quoting for a new policy do I enter that I'VE had the accidents (i.e. I have no "no claims") or her? Or - is it both of us? (Which makes us both look terrible...d'oh!)

Any help appreciated.

Answer 1

Tough one. If a new insurer asks "Have you ever claimed under a previous policy" I think you are legally bound to disclose the information. If they just ask "How many years no claims bonus do you have" then I think you'll be OK...

Answer 2

If you are getting quotes for a new policy then you declare that your wife has had two accidents and you none. Yourbonus entitlement reflects the two claims made.

By the way - the named driver on a Direct Line policy does NOT build up a no claims bonus - what it means is that Direct Line would give a discount if the named driver insures with them (obviously in this case your wife has no entitlement). Direct Line will NOT give proof of no claims bonus to named drivers if they insure elsewhere - so it's hardly a no claim discount is it?

MInd you - you have to read the very small print on the bottom of the bus advert to find this out - a typical example of misleading advertising from the experts.

Answer 3

No you have NOT had an accident SHE has

The policy application will more likely ask not if you have had an accident but made a claim and that is a different question altogether

NO you have not had an accident but YES you have made a claim

Complicated eh

If you are staying with the same company then much of the legwork should already have been done

Good luck. Maybe 2 separate policies might be a good idea

Answer 4

I've not seen a Direct Line policy. However, there are in fact two elements in what you ask. Regarding claims, there are claims against the policy in question, but not in your name. If you are asked whether you have had an accident, the answer is no. You haven't (it was the good lady). If you are asked if there have been any claims against your present policy, there have, but you need to make the precise circumstances clear. By the sound of it your wife will have lost her no claims bonus but not yourself.

Answer 5

You should have an opportunity to list accidents PER DRIVER.

Of course, if you're named insured, the accident IS going to follow you - after all, YOUR Policy paid out. But, the standard policy form says the named insured is the person listed at the top of the page, AND SPOUSE. So there's no way to get around THAT.

I don't know how direct line works, but clearly, at least one of you is not getting that no claims bonus. If you're getting quotes for a new policy with another insurance company, the claim counts against YOU. EXACTLY how it works is going to vary from company to company - normally, an agent for that company could help you out, but you don't HAVE an agent if you shop online, so you're on your own to figure out how it works.

Sorry.

Answer 6

You will lose the no claims that go with the policy. You will not lose your status in the insurance system but she will not be building up much of an accident free driving history.

Answer 7

It can do, some insurance companys will make it out asif you've both had an accident. Others on the other hand other companys will let you keep your no claims and just make your wife responsilbe. It shouldnt be anything to do with you but some companys are different to others. Contact yours.

Answer 8

You will not have to declare it as your accident but you will have to declare that of your wife in a future policy. Sorry bu your premium will go up. it's a no claims bonus not a no blame bonus

Answer 9

She was the driver so she now has a claim against here, and you are the policy holder so you now have a claim against you.

Answer 10

the accident goes against the licensed operator/driver but the claim is against your insurance policy ; insurance companies run the license number for accident history