Seeking Advice: Accident Reported but No Claim Made; NCB Lost
Hello everyone,
I need some guidance regarding a situation I faced in the UK last year.
In November, a named driver on my policy was involved in an accident, and they believed they weren’t at fault. We informed my insurance company, and they ultimately determined it was our fault based on the incident’s circumstances. While it was frustrating, the damage was purely cosmetic and repairable. However, because the value of my car is quite low, they suggested that it would be considered a total loss if I chose to file a claim, even though they never assessed the damage firsthand—only based on my description. I made it clear that I was only notifying them and not filing a claim.
Then, a few days later, I received an email stating that my car had been marked as a total loss, and my no-claims bonus (I was working towards my first year) had been forfeited. I promptly reached out to clarify that I wasn’t making a claim, and they assured me they would close it. Nevertheless, they informed me that I had lost my NCB because we were deemed at fault.
Now, as I check my insurance account, I see that the claim is still open and my car is still listed as “deemed a total loss.” Additionally, my NCB status is still marked as “TBC.” With my renewal approaching in a few weeks, I’m planning to contact them again to resolve these issues.
I have a couple of questions:
1. Is it true that I have lost my NCB?
2. Why is the claim still open? Does simply reporting an incident count as a claim?
Thank you for your insights!
It’s frustrating to be in a situation like this, but you’re definitely not alone. Here are a few points to help clarify your situation:
Loss of No Claims Bonus (NCB): In the UK, if you report an accident where you are deemed at fault, it can lead to the loss of your NCB, even if you don’t actually submit a claim for repairs. The insurance company may consider the incident significant enough to affect your NCB status. However, you should verify with your insurer if there are any exceptions or circumstances that could allow you to keep your NCB.
Open Claim: If you reported the incident, your insurer might have opened a claim file to document the circumstances. This is standard practice, even if you choose not to pursue any repairs. If they have not closed the claim or updated their records to reflect that you are not claiming, you need to highlight this when you contact them again.
Contact Your Insurer: It’s definitely a good step to reach out to your insurer. Be sure to explain clearly that you did not wish to claim, and request that they close the claim formally. You may also want to ask for written confirmation of your NCB status, including details on why it has been affected if it has.
Renewal Considerations: Since your renewal is coming up, make sure to address this issue before that time. The status of your NCB could affect your premium significantly, so clarifying this with your insurer is crucial to avoid any surprises when it comes time to renew.
Documentation: Keep a record of all communications with your insurer, including dates, times, and names of representatives. This may help if you need to escalate the matter or if there are discrepancies in the future.
Further Action: If you feel that your insurer is not resolving the situation satisfactorily, consider reaching out to the Financial Ombudsman Service for guidance.
In summary, contacting your insurer to resolve these issues is the best immediate step. Make sure to advocate for yourself clearly and assertively. Good luck!