Vehicle claim assistance

Your car has been involved in a collision or stolen, we have been appointed, so what happens next?  Pease read the following. The incident, in the case of theft and some Road Traffic Accidents, has been reported to the police and you have now informed your insurance company.

What happens next?

Possibly your Insurer will appoint an adjuster to visit you.   Some do so automatically, others because the value of the vehicle is high and there are those who have a selection procedure based on, for example, one in every ten (as a vetting procedure). 
Some frequently asked questions are as follows:

Why do I need to see an Adjuster?

Vehicle crime in the UK is prolific; about 200,000 cars are stolen each year.  The service we offer is nationwide, designed specifically to handle such claims each one being unique.  In offering a specialist, comprehensive service we are able to address all aspects of a claim, providing your Insurance Company a single report 'package'.  This eliminates time consuming, costly and unnecessary enquiries.

We are often instructed by Insurers as an ‘overflow’ facility.  The theft of vehicles is by its very nature impossible to predict and therefore Insurers may choose to use a Loss Adjuster as an overflow facility when claim numbers are high.  Alternatively, Insurers may seek to out-source in part, or whole, thereby avoiding staff and related costs.

But the problem of vehicle crime goes beyond the taking of a vehicle from you.  About 45% of stolen vehicles are recovered, many are found in the possession of an innocent purchaser.  It is important that we obtain a comprehensive account from you to enable your insurer to pursue the recovery of the vehicle once it is found.  Put yourself in the shoes of the innocent purchaser; they will likely be asked to hand back the vehicle and unlike you, they are highly unlikely to have any insurance upon which to claim. They will lose everything. It is important that we obtain a comprehensive statement from you to enable an uncomplicated return of the vehicle when found.  For more information about this aspect of vehicle crime, please see www.car-crime.com 

What happens after the interview?

Our local representative will submit his findings to this office where we will compile a formal report for your Insurers. We have agreed to report to your Insurers within 8 working days of conducting the interview with you and / or the last user of the vehicle.

Who values my car?

We do not (unless specifically asked to by your Insurer).   Valuations are possibly the most emotive aspect of an insurance claim.  Do not set yourself an unrealistic expectation.  Be practical. The following should be considered:

Is your car out of warranty?
When does the MOT expire?
When does the excise licence (tax) expire?
Does the car have a full dealer service history?

Think in terms of what you would be able to sell your car for IF it had not been stolen.  This is not what it would fetch if offered for sale on a garage forecourt.  A car sold by a reputable trader would probably be accompanied by a full year's tax and MOT, have been serviced, may be offered with a warranty and have been valeted (possibly 'touched up' to look pristine).  In addition, a dealer has overheads to take into consideration such as premises, staff etc.  For a dealer, selling vehicles is a business; there is an element of profit.

Another consideration is that you will be paid based on market value for the car and will possess 'cash' with which to obtain a replacement car.   There are very few vendors, private or trade, who would not reduce the asking price of a car to receive a straight cash transaction (no part exchange).

How much do I get paid?

This will be entirely dependent on your policy wording.   Generally, unless you have an agreed value policy, consideration will be given to the vehicle's history, age and mileage.  Some Insurance policies will advise you of the guide used to determine the value.  'Market Value' is often cited and you can obtain an indication of the current trend by undertaking a search of magazines / papers.

Can I influence the amount I am paid?

To a certain extent, yes.  Providing the following will ensure you receive top 'book' price for your car:

Service History
M.O.T
Receipts
Photographs
Warranty information
In short, anything that supports your vehicle's mechanics and bodywork being well maintained.

Should I accept the first offer?

This is a matter for you.  However, we at C.M.A. do try our best not make 'offers'. Where we are handling your claim with delegated authority, our policy is to provide you with a settlement figure based on your policy of insurance and the information you have provided about the vehicle. Your insurance policy will advise the means by which your vehicle will be valued and there exists an abundance of reference material from which to locate values for comparable vehicles.  Do read your policy wording.  If the policy simply states 'market value' then it may assist if you 'research the market' and make yourself aware of the vehicle's worth.  To assist, you may wish to visit web sites offering vehicles for sale.  Remember: The value is second-hand, retail, NOT the forecourt price.

When do I get paid?

As soon as your Insurer is in possession of all the necessary facts relating to your claim and thereby able to make a decision with regard to settlement.

What can I do to help?

Quite a lot; collate all documentation and present it to us or your insurer.  Reply to correspondence promptly.  But above all, ensure you respond to questions with correct answers. 

What should I do if my vehicle is found?

Contact your insurer imemdiatley.  If you can, ascertain whether the vehicle is drivable and its location; if ‘recovered’ by the police, obtain the name of the storage facility and their phone number.  The sooner the insurer is aware of the vehicle’s whereabouts, the sooner an examination can occur and the claim progressed.

If the vehicle is found intact, do you need to progress the claim?  Before reaching a conclusion, ask yourself how the thief took the vehicle; was it with keys and if so, where are those keys now i.e. is the vehicle’s security compromised?  Replacing locks may be inexpensive, addressing the electronic security (transponder keys) may not.