Crash test dummies
Further to John Gibson’s recent letter about unwanted compensation calls (5 September), I would like to add my own experience.
I received a phone call about some alleged accident so decided to tell them all ‘the facts’ to see where it led. I was asked about the ‘so-called’ accident and said it was definitely the other party’s fault because, despite the fact I was doing 90mph down a B-road, he came out of a side road and smashed into me.
Upon being asked if I suffered any injury, I advised the gentleman that my arm had been ripped off. That was worth £3000. I asked if that was still the case despite me being over the limit on Stella and having consumed vast quantities of cocaine. I was told yes: I could still get the £3000. He declined my offer of Big Barry’s phone number for quality cocaine.
I was then asked if I had any other injuries. I told him my head had also been ripped off, but they managed to sew it back on. Alas, they sewed it on backwards so now when I walk forward, I keep banging into lamp posts. I was told he could get me £10,000 for this!
Asked for the registration of the car, I said I don’t know as I only stole it the previous night, but it was an Aston Martin. Apparently that made no difference to the claim either.
Before the gullible write in, none of the above actually happened. In seriousness, as someone with 40 years’ experience in the Lloyd’s of London market, I can confirm Mr Gibson’s assumption that it isn’t automatically the underwriter’s fault that premiums increase.
Regarding Mr Cropley’s search for a new insurer, I too can recommend
the NFU. Not the cheapest but it is operated by real people, not automated systems – and if, like me, you are lucky enough to live near an office, you can walk in and talk to someone. How very novel. David Clarke Via email