car insurance excess.

[nextqueen]

someones car rolled into ours last night with its handbrake on, about ten doors up and from the other side of the road. a neighbour came to say they thought someone had crashed into us and had done a runner. sherlock here however sussed it and we went to knock the door of the owner. just think if the car had rolled all the way down the road, we are on a hill or if a car had been coming or a person was crossing. anyway, the owner is fine and insurance seems pretty straightforward. however, when i got a confirmation email through from my insurance people today, it says i still have to pay an excess of 250 pounds even though it wasnt my fault, how come? i dont get it, i thought you only had to pay if it was your fault. my friend said something about going legal as we have that protection. the man/owner seemed really nice, wonder if he would pay up for it but feel bad about asking. is it the norm?

[caila25]

i would ask the other party to pay or get some legal advice about this as your excess is only for you to pay if it was your fault, if it was a call centre you have rang chances are there new or just cant be bothered to do their job properly. i have had a problem with a insurance company for the last 3 year which i am now going legal. hope this helps

[bednobs]

that's not true - an excess is an excess. Your insurance co. will claim the excess from the person who was at fault and refund it to you

[hc4361]

Excess - The amount of any claim which you agree to pay if your car is lost, stolen or damaged, irrespective of fault. You are entitled to seek recovery from a responsible party in the event of an accident which was not your fault.

So you should seek compensation from the owner of the vehicle that hit you in respect of the excess. If you have legal cover on your car insurance, get them to sort it out for you.

[chas2008]

the excess is claimed from the 3rd partys insurance, unfortunately you have to pay it 1st, just the way the insurance industry works.
I work in a bodyshop and we are always getting hassle regarding exesses but it is in the policy, just no one takes the time to read it properly but as i said it is recaimed from the 3rd party or there insurance, shouldnt cost you a penny.

[nextqueen]

thats correct chas2008, no not very clear at all! the third party will pay our excess, its so confusing! just waiting to hear back now someones been out to estimate cost of repair.thanks for your help.

[chas2008]

to be honest i have never quite understood the logic of it, especially when the 3rd party admits 100 % liability. Some policys can carry excesses of £1,000+ its down to type of vehicle, age , driving history ie. drunk driving convictions.