Daily Express

A real claim-changer

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WHEN a car accident claim that a motorist thought had been permanentl­y parked suddenly reared up, it caused havoc for his insurance cover. The first warning Robin Clark had of the trouble ahead was back in May when he was preparing to renew his policy and was told the deal he had, and wanted to keep, was no longer available.

He found a new one but it cost some £100 more because of a crash his vehicle had been involved in last autumn. Although this was not his fault it was the first black mark on his otherwise pristine record of 55 years driving.

He explained: “I was stuck in a traffic jam and a pick-up truck belonging to a utility company went into the back of me. The driver apologised and admitted responsibi­lity immediatel­y. That did not change, the repair to my bumper went ahead and RSA, my insurer, confirmed it would not affect my no-claims bonus. They were excellent, hence the reason I wanted to stay with them.”

But Robin, from Hampshire, hit problems when renewing his policy and was told the accident was also showing up as a case that had not been settled.

“I was astonished, I had no idea there could be this grey area with claims,” he admitted. “There had not been any dispute about liability but it seems the claim costs have not actually been handed over from the other party’s insurer to mine.

“Apparently it’s been asked for three times since September but the other side has dragged its feet. I’ve been told this is quite common, so there’s been no closure.

“This has had a direct effect on the price of the new premium I’ve been offered and led to the £100 increase.”

Since finding out about the hold-up Robin has been desperate to get the matter resolved, as his renewal is due at the end of this month. “I live on a pension but rely on my car to get around, so if I can avoid paying £100 more to drive it when it is not my fault, I would really prefer it,” he told Crusader.

We asked RSA if it could push things along for Robin and within a day matters were moving again.

Last week he was delighted to hear the case had been settled and happily received a £50 goodwill gesture from RSA too.

The company also confirmed he would get a letter proving that his no-claims discount was intact, the usual procedure when an existing policy is terminated.

Robin added: “I was reassured to be told that most insurers offer a grace period for customers, so even if the letter does not arrive straightaw­ay, they apply the bonus on the expectatio­n that it will.

“Crusader’s helping hand was most appreciate­d in all of this. In future should I have a claim then I would insist on asking for proof of settlement.” HOLIDAYMAK­ERS’ rights will not be affected by the UK leaving the EU in the short term, though prices might go up and money not go as far while overseas.

At least two years of negotiatio­n lie ahead after which things may alter. Falls in sterling will impact on spending power but breaks already paid for should be in the clear.

Travellers are as free to move as before and passports remain valid. European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) are also valid and passenger rights remain in claims for flight delays and cancellati­ons. You can still bring home unlimited goods and there will be the same rules for using your phone abroad.

People paying for overseas accommodat­ion in other currencies can expect to pay more in the event of a weaker pound which may also affect the cost of flights, advises leading travel trade body Abta.

If your travel company asks you to pay more because of currency fluctuatio­ns, check the terms and conditions of the organiser you booked with.

If it’s a package, the maximum surcharge is up to 10 per cent of the original cost. If it’s another arrangemen­t, check the terms.

 ??  ?? ENJOY: Travellers’ rights are protected for the moment after EU referendum vote
ENJOY: Travellers’ rights are protected for the moment after EU referendum vote

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