Insurance claim. Can I just get the money?

subywagon on 14/03/2014 - 21:05

So yes I was stupid and didn't have insurance when my car was hit in a car park. (So please no judgemental "You should have insurance, you infidel you posts".)

I got the drivers details and I got a quote from the body works which was a real hassle because they are all really far from where I live and I work basically 7 days a week…

I'd like to know when their insurance company gets back to me, will I be able to tell them to just give me the money and I'll get the repairs done when I'm ready? As I don't have time to get out there for another 4 months or more. I only have one car, can't get time off work and I have no reliable friends/family to help me.

Automotive

Comments

  • boonanza on 14/03/2014 - 21:10
    +3

    I'm judgemental so I can't comment…

  • mskeggs on 14/03/2014 - 21:20
    +1

    Not having insurance is perfectly valid. It's called self insurance, and organisations like the government and Telstra don't have insurance either. You just need to manage your risk. For example, most people would think third party property insurance is worth it, because it costs only a couple of hundred dollars, and it covers you for damage to others (e.g. The mythical Ferrari driver) which could end up costing tens or hundreds of thousands.
    Other people comprehensively insure a $20k car, because they would find a $20k bill to replace a stolen or destroyed car to much to handle in one go.
    Still others insure even cheap cars for reasons I don't understand - probably because the insurance companies keep sending them premiums.

    Anyway. Some insurance companies will send a cheque, some will reimburse you for repairs only (because they get a discount from the repairer).
    In your circumstance, I think it fair you ask for a cheque, after all, you didn't cause the accident, and they are making it up to you for your inconvenience. They might well resist this, but if you are persistent, I think you will have a good chance of prevailing.

  • npc on 14/03/2014 - 22:07
    +1

    Please, stop blaming yourself for not having an insurance, it is perfectly normal and is personal decision.

    My understanding is that you should be able to get money and it is up to you after that - to repair the car or not.

  • Kevan2 on 14/03/2014 - 22:26

    By now you should have the reference number of the insurance claim. It does not hurt to ring them and discuss nicely , yes nicely as they the assessors or clerks could be having a bad day. If they like you things will get done faster. Just ask them for their help, and explain your difficulty. I have assumed the other party has acknolged to his company his fault. A delay may be the other driver has an excess to pay. The insurance company have their preffered car repairers, last dingle I had no fault on my part in car park , I took car to insurance coy assessor, then cab to hire car company, on repair cab from hire car to repaired at insurance cost. I did pay for no excess insurance on car (don't have a spare 2.5k). If you just want cheque the insurance coy will save on car hire, taxies and so on. Good luck and hope this did help.
    PS do buy third party other vehicles and things, I worked with someone who lost his house and more because his wife drove the vehicle being sold - insurance not renewed - totaled new top of rang 4wd and shop front. Shxx happens. Doing a dad thing lol

  • subywagon on 14/03/2014 - 22:32

    Thanks for the advice so far… I don't really blame myself for not having insurance, it's just that whenever you post on a forum "I don't have car insurance" most of the time the forum evolves into a massive flame calling you an idiot and irresponsible with people calling for your blood etc…

    When I'm contacted by the insurance company I'll push for the money. It's only around $600 worth of damage so hopefully they wont make a big issue out of it.

    • Azn310 on 15/03/2014 - 23:50

      If its only $600 why not contact the other driver and tell him / her to pay you instead? They will end up paying $600 or more for excess and their insurance no claim bonus is screwed. Win - win for both.

    • Speckled Jim on 16/03/2014 - 18:27

      A bimbo reversed into me on Cimitere St, near the park. She didn't realise you're supposed to make a right turn if you're out in the middle of the intersection and the lights go amber. So instead of that, her Territory Ghia with a supposedly dead reversing camera pranged my lovely Honda.

      Anyway, her insurance co. (AAMI) gave me a cheque.

  • PissLUR on 15/03/2014 - 00:29

    do you know that you can claim for a rental car?
    Rent yourself a car while the car is being fixed.

    • blitz on 15/03/2014 - 10:33

      He doesn't have insurance. Who's he going to claim it from?

      • PissLUR on 15/03/2014 - 11:17

        He wasn't at fault. He can claim it from the other person's insurance company.

        I know this for a fact because I have done it before.

  • kimmylala on 15/03/2014 - 07:40

    They should be able to cash settled you, the assessor would usually assess your damages and work out how much it would cost to repair your vehicle.
    p.s please consider getting third party property damage insurance. I've seen claims amounting up to 6 digits and even things such as damaging power poles will cost you 25k.

  • backpaqer on 15/03/2014 - 18:43

    3rd party property is a must. I ride a bicycle and got cleaned up by a P-Plater in a car worth $1000 (with a full tank of fuel) - I had insurance cover on my bike so I simply put in a claim with my insurer who chased him for the money. (who says cyclists don't pay insurance?).

    Fortunately his parents had bought him insurance which paid out on the $7000 claim I lodged with my insurer. That's a lot of money to find when you're starting out in life.

    • Geewhizz on 19/03/2014 - 08:35

      Fortunately his parents had bought him insurance which paid out on the $7000 claim I lodged with my insurer.

      That's an expensive bicycle. I reckon I'd have had it insured too. ;)

  • backpaqer on 15/03/2014 - 18:45

    Once your car value drops below $5000, most 3rd party property insurances will actually pay out as a comprehensive protection policy (against damage to your own car) if you have damage to your vehicle which is not your fault and you can name the 3rd party.

  • StyleS on 15/03/2014 - 23:44
    +1

    The insurance company will usually send a cheque and the repairs are carried out whenever you like. The claim is completed and you'll look into getting the car fixed as good as new so you can drive it without any hassles.

    I agree with getting 3rd party insurance, just to take care of matters if you're in an at fault accident. At least the insurance cover will make sure you don't have to pay out of your own pocket for the other party's repairs or replacement vehicle, or court costs. It's usually $150-300 a year which can be paid off in monthly instalments so better get it unless you don't want the insurance company to help you when you need them most.

    ANZ is quite good and reasonable for third party, not so much for full comprehensive premiums though but the cover is decent.
    Standard legal liability is $10 million - $20 million (ANZ) and that plus covering the costs of the other party if in an at fault accident is all people really look for with third party. So cost is usually the most important thing when deciding but make sure you take the time to understand if it's suitable and which one fits you or the type of cover etc.

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