Street cred

Earlier this year, my BMW 325i that I had owned for less than two weeks was hit by another car turning in the office car park. I saw the accident happen and the driver stopped and gave me his details. There was very little damage but the front bumper was well scuffed and cracked. So back to the main dealer to get a quote for repairs that resulted in the other driver needing to claim on his insurance. I had appointments booked in all that week and the BMW dealer did not have a courtesy car, but they could recommended an accident management company who would provide a car in time for my meetings the next day. I must admit that I had my reservations about unreasonable costs but did not have the time to look at alternatives. I took out the insurance to cover me in the event that the claim against the other party was unsuccessful. Recently I received a letter from the management company asking for permission to start legal proceedings to reclaim their losses that I signed and returned. Given your recent articles am I likely to find that I will be liable and why if these companies inflate the costs so do the insurance companies not ask you to avoid using them?

Asked on 10 January 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
If the Accident Management company cannot get the hire car costs back from the other driver or his insurer then you will be liable for them. That is the nature of the agreement you signed. That's why it's called 'credit Hire'. If it does get the inflated hire car costs back, then that will be a contributory factor to a hike in next year's insurance premiums. Nothing is for nothing. Its own website is www.nacho.co.uk , where you may find an alternative point of view.
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