Non Fault Car Park prang - Claims Management Companies?

Chris1712 · 13 Jul 2016 at 18:57

Hi All,

So my 330e is barely 3 weeks old and some numpty in the office next door has hit it in the car park! Thankfully he owned up to it straight away.
The damage is fairly minor, but unfortunately includes a small tear and a kind of crease/dimple which I think may well put it into new bumper territory. I've said I'll get a quote from BMW anyway just in case, but if that's beyond the chaps budget then is it worth using a Claims Management Company? (not even sure that's the right wording?).

The whole reason I got the 330e was to enjoy my commute (auto, quiet, quick) so I'll rather begrudge sitting in 30 miles of traffic every day in a 1.0l Polo or whatever nonsense an insurance company throws at me, as I understand it this is something a claims management company will sort for me? I also want to be certain it won't be recorded as a non-fault claim on my behalf, so to deal entirely with his insurance company?

Any recommendations / thoughts? TIA.

Howard · 13 Jul 2016 at 19:02

If it's beyond his budget then claim from his insurance company and ask them to provide a reasonable-sized hire car. Accident management / credit hire companies charge the other insurers a fortune for hire cars and if the insurer disputes the costs, the small print of the hire agreement can put you liable for the costs. IMHO it's not worh the potential hassle for the sake of spending a few days in a less inferior car.

Ricochet J · 13 Jul 2016 at 19:04

Bare in mind if the other persons insurance company give you a courtesy car, it might be valid only for 2 weeks.

Someone went into my car (it got written off), and I was only given 2 weeks with the courtesy car whilst I looked for a replacement.

acemastr · 13 Jul 2016 at 19:06

Ricochet J said:
Bare in mind if the other persons insurance company give you a courtesy car, it might be valid only for 2 weeks.

Someone went into my car (it got written off), and I was only given 2 weeks with the courtesy car whilst I looked for a replacement.

He won't be looking for a replacement, they'll give him a car until his is fixed. Just see what his insurance company suggests and follow them.

Armageus · 13 Jul 2016 at 19:12

No need for a claims management company imho, he either settles outside of insurance, or you go via his insurance (as he has admitted fault)

Surely as it's just a minor body repair, it gets booked into the BMW Bodyshop as soon as he or his insurance pay, and the Bodyshop provide a courtesy car? That way no one ends up paying for a hire car.

snapdragon69 · 13 Jul 2016 at 21:46

I'd go through the BMW Dealer's service - they put you in a similar car and deal with all the running around - well most of it. They send the claim to the third party, it's up to him whether he sends it to his insurance or pays from his own pocket.

On Holiday · 13 Jul 2016 at 23:02

Are you not going to have to say "yes" when they ask for any accidents, incidents or claims in the past X years, regardless of fault?

I had somebody drive into my wing & bumper, I used a claims handling company (Albany) to claim off their insurance - my premiums still went up because of this.

a1ex2001 · 14 Jul 2016 at 05:54

Plenty O'Toole said:
Are you not going to have to say "yes" when they ask for any accidents, incidents or claims in the past X years, regardless of fault?

I had somebody drive into my wing & bumper, I used a claims handling company (Albany) to claim off their insurance - my premiums still went up because of this.

This is true.

andybird123 · 14 Jul 2016 at 10:33

Both time someone has hit a parked car of mine Ive handled it perosnally and its been a claim on their insurance - on renewal i spoke to the broker and they said that as it wasnt an accident i was involved in and wasnt a claim on MY insurance, I could put no for both.

tom_e · 14 Jul 2016 at 10:37

Plenty O'Toole said:
Are you not going to have to say "yes" when they ask for any accidents, incidents or claims in the past X years, regardless of fault?

I had somebody drive into my wing & bumper, I used a claims handling company (Albany) to claim off their insurance - my premiums still went up because of this.

I had a friend reverse into me and snap the gear shift of my bike off, he paid for the part I fitted it. Will I be saying yes to that question come renewal? Will I flip.

snapdragon69 · 14 Jul 2016 at 13:40

I wouldn't say yes as it is not a material fact and so none of their business. This is especially the case if the insured was not even in the car.

Nasher · 14 Jul 2016 at 15:31

Don't go near "claims management companies". They are a total waste of time and only complicate things in their pursuit for money.