1. Papa Don Said,

   Churchill Car Insurance Problem?
   Had accident which was my fault in Nov 08, hit a van in rear that stopped suddenly going through a roundabout (less than 5mph) and his trailer hitch ball went into my radiator and damaged the hood, grill and radiator.

   Car was 1996 Honda in very reasonable condition, MOT’d and all in good service despite its 125,000 mileage, new tyres, exhaust, battery, and clean throughout.

   Had fully comprehensive insurance with £50 deductable, loaner car and legal support so paid to be protected.

   When car was collected from accident, collecting garage said at that time that due to the mileage my car would not be repaired. However it took 5 to 6 weeks for the insurance examiner to determine that my car was beyond repair, so I did without a car all that time. Despite repeated phone calls to them, they never called me back as their examiner was on holiday.

   Then when we finally agree that a price of £500 for my car in January 08 and that took some haggling, the cheque never and so I started chasing them down in early February.

   I am then informed that I did not disclose a speeding violation on my application and they would have to listen to the tapes of my applying to verify this.

   Again this took several weeks, and I again had to pursue them for an answer to which they then said I had applied on the internet so no record of a phone conversation.

   The internet application was misleading, asking for what I believed was 3 years worth of offenses. I’ve only ever had 2 speeding offenses in my entire life – both speed cameras, just over the limit. The first was at 6 a.m. and I passed a bus pulling over to stop and as I passed it got flashed. The second on the day I found my dad had days to live and I was rushing to catch a flight, and as in both instances was doing 42 mph in a 30 mph zone for a very short period. Nonetheless, I was speeding and paid my fines.

   I wrote to the insurance company and apologised for not telling them of the other speeding ticket from 4 years and 9 months earlier as I forgot about it. But I admitted it, and apologised in writing.

   Then then came back to me saying that there would be additional premium to pay before I would get paid for my car.

   Well, its October 08, and I finally got a letter from the insurers saying they are not paying me as I failed to pay the additional premium requested and they were not going to renew my policy.

   I have never been asked even after repeated letters to them how much the additional premium was, and what I should do. No replies.

   I have asked for my car back which they agreed to pay for, and now they state there is nothing they can do, and it is their final decision.

   I went to the financial ombudsman and unbelieveably DID NOT get a reply from them. I’ve even spoken to one of their "survey" staff who tells me that they are incredibly busy and it was probably put aside and not dealt with.

   I’m at a total loss as to where I stand and how to pursue this without spending more than the accident and car was worth.

   I’ve written to their data protection officer and obtained copies of all documentation pertaining to this, so by their records can verify all this information quite clearly.

   Finally, I maintained my cool with them at all times. Never once did I raise my voice or become unprofessional with them.

   My questions are:
   1. Can I legally request my car back as it has never been paid for?
   2. Were they taking money for policy on a car they knew that through mileage alone, they would never pay for loaner car, or to have repaired?
   3. This has meant over 30 letters and more phone calls than that to deal with, and rarely do they call you back or reply at all. Can I claim for this time and distress?
   4. Am I totally wasting my time?

   Regards,

   Papa Don

2. Bardic Said,

   I’m afraid you’ve discovered what the world of motor insurance is like, and the cheaper you go the worse it is in handling claims. Insurance companies can, and do, abide strictly by the contract you have with them, which incorporates your application. One of the conditions is (and it’s very clear, I’ve just looked) that you disclose "Details and approximate dates of driving convictions in the last 5 years for all drivers".

   Whether you genuinely made a mistake or not, what you declare is what you declare and they’ve managed to seize on this as a way out. They would say that you made a false declaration and that doing so invalidates your insurance.

   You are of course entitled to the remains of your car back.
   
   References :

3. the chadster Said,

   the did this to me i forgot to tell them about 3 points so the kept my car and made me pay an extra £1000 so be warned and be careful chadster
   References :
   http://www.carsdirect.com

4. Britbloke Said,

   I’m not an insurance legal expert and I suspect few others in here are also – so, to be frank, this is not such a great place to be asking such a technical question.

   That said, you’ve obviously done your homework and handled matters very thoroughly. Can I suggest you try the Citizen’s Advice Bureau? They are free and have solicitors on tap to advise on just such an issue – if you have a case and are unable to afford a solicitor, they will help.

   In my opinion, they are your next and, possibly, last port of call.
   References :

5. Howard L Said,

   What time zone are you in? It’s still October 08 in the US.
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6. Fellside13 Said,

   Unfortunately, I’ve heard similar stories concerning Churchill.

   You really have to tell them of any changes or they will back out of any cover.
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7. RICHARD E Said,

   Your question is not possible to be answered in just one or two words.find useful tips here http://www.AutoInsuranceIdeas.info/auto-insurance-free.htm for reference though.
   
   References :

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