Snow leads to increased car insurance disputes

Used Car Expert magazine has seen a significant increase in number of enquiries via its website UsedCarExpert.co.uk relating to disputes with insurance companies over the value of their car, which have been written off by snow-related accidents. Consumers seem most frustrated when their car was written off because someone else collided with it while it was parked in a street. The icy conditions, and poor visibility are resulting in car accidents and as a result insurance claims.

Editor Matt Tumbridge said, "The Government's gritting policy means lots of side streets are ice rinks and even at slow speeds, sadly cars are going out of control and in urban areas the first thing they hit is another car."

"It is particularly frustrating for car owners who weren't even at the car when the accident happened. In several cases the person responsible left no contact details so the victim is not only having to argue over the value of the car but also losing their no claims bonus and facing the prospect of seeing their premium rise."

On the problem of insurance valuations he said, "Most insurers use a trade publication to value the car and offer the minimum they can get away with.

That is unfair ad unrealistic. The car owner has a right to a pay out that will enable them to pay full retail price for a car of equal condition. No one can ever be 100% certain that a car will be reliable when they buy it, so consumers who have lost their car in this way deserve to be able to buy from a dealer where they get a warranty."

Tumbridge's advice for car owners is, "Obtain a price from our website for both the national average and regional average retail price. Then find several cars for sale in the area at dealers and compile it all in a robust explanation of why the insurance company's valuation is not fair. If there are cars available at the price the insurer suggests, include those, highlighting how they are not the same as your car. Usually they will be higher mileage, have less service history or less equipment. Most insurers will see sense when given evidence like that.