We spotted this scary and galling news story lately. Thank goodness no one was in the car at the time of the fire!
What can be learned from this unfortunate incident?
1) Wear and Tear is always excluded from insurance cover. Any charges related from Wear & Tear will unfortunately not be covered.
What you can do:
Keep on top of repairs to your possessions, like your home and your car. Not all Wear & Tear can be prevented, but a lot can.
Use a broker to advocate on your behalf. They have specialist knowledge and expertise in this area, so will be able to work in your best interests and ensure you get what you’re entitled to. They may also be able to arrange a good-will gesture, when the judgement is ultimately not in your favour.
2) A “write off” is where the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the vehicle. So, if it will cost £250 to sort out a bit of a bash to the car, but the vehicle’s value is only £200, you unfortunately have a “write off”.
What you can do:
Get a few quotes. Prices can vary enormously between garages, so if one business says you have a write off, it’s worth asking for a second and third opinion. Before you agree to any work being completed, however, you must check that the insurance company approves of your chosen garage, or you will be liable for the charges yourself.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to get in touch. We offer free insurance reviews to ensure that you have the cover you require and expect.