Title: Advice Needed: Accident Reported but No Claim Made, NCB Lost
I encountered a situation in the UK and could use some advice.
Last November, a named driver on my insurance policy was involved in an accident where they didn’t believe they were at fault. We informed my insurance company, but they determined it was our fault based on the circumstances. While this was frustrating, I accepted it. The damage to my car was significant but purely cosmetic and fixable. However, due to the low value of my car, the insurer stated that it would be classified as a total loss if I made a claim—despite never evaluating the damage, just relying on my description. I emphasized that I was merely reporting the incident and not filing a claim.
A few days later, I received an email stating that my car was officially classified as a total loss and that I had lost my no-claims bonus (NCB), which I was working toward for my first year.
I called to clarify that I wasn’t making a claim, and they assured me they would close it. However, they informed me that the loss of my NCB would still stand because we were deemed at fault.
Now, I’ve checked my insurance account and noticed that the claim is still listed as open, and my car is still marked as a “total loss.” Additionally, my NCB status still says “TBC.” With my renewal coming up in a few weeks, I’m eager to sort this out.
I have a couple of questions:
1. Is it correct that I lost my NCB?
2. Why is the claim still open?
Thank you for any insights you can provide!
It’s good that you’re being proactive about this situation. Here’s some advice that might help:
Loss of No Claims Bonus (NCB): In the UK, if you are involved in an accident where you are deemed at fault, it is typical that you would lose your NCB for that policy year, even if you don’t make a claim. This can be frustrating, especially if the damage was cosmetic and you didn’t actually make a claim for repairs. Since the insurance company has stated that you were at fault and you were involved in an incident that was reported, they may have automatically applied the loss of NCB. However, since you didn’t pursue a claim, you could ask them if there is any leeway or policy that prevents your NCB from being affected in this way.
Open Claim: The fact that a claim is still open, even though you did not intend to claim, is concerning. There may have been a misunderstanding, or it might be an administrative issue on their part. When you contact them again, make sure to ask them directly why the claim remains open and reiterate that you never intended to claim. Request that they close it formally, and ensure you get confirmation of this in writing.
Documentation: Keep records of all your communication with your insurance provider regarding this issue. This includes dates, times, who you spoke to, and what was discussed. If further issues arise, having this information documented can be useful.
Policy Review and Renewal: Before your renewal, make sure to clarify your NCB status with them. If they continue to say you have lost it, ask for a written explanation of their decision and review your insurance policy documentation to ensure you understand your rights regarding NCB loss.
Take Action: After contacting them, if you’re not satisfied with their response, consider sending a formal complaint to their customer service team or contacting the Financial Ombudsman Service if necessary.
It’s advisable to resolve these issues before your renewal to prevent complications with your new policy and potential higher premiums. Good luck, and I hope you get everything sorted out!