Confused, Annoyed and need some advice, tips

[carfrog]

Hi folks, first post here sobe gentle, good and kind.

 

Had to make my first ever insurance claim on November the 7th, camper went on fire, engine bay, which looks melted to me. The assessor turned up on November the 19th spent a good 4 and a half minutes with the vehicle ( suit and tie, the works, didnt even dirty has hands) and said he would make his report.

 

No word from the insurance company (KGM) so I called on tuesday the 9th of December, at least an hour on the phone waiting by the way. The chap on the phone advised that the report indicated 1040 cash in lieu, also told me that he had the report from the assessor on the 26th of November so I couldnt understand why no correspondence. I challenged this young chaps figures and he done some recalculation and came up with 1800 pounds. I asked for this to be confirmed in writing, indicated clearly i would not be accepting this offer and asked for a copy of the engineers report all of which he agreed he would forward. In his favour he did send confirmation of the offer, signed dated etc with a contact name. However no sign of report.

 

I called again on Friday the 12th of december to ask for the report only to be spoken to in a quite rude manner and basically be questioned about why i was calling again. On Saturday the 13th of december recieved another letter, same dept, same ref number, same contact name but less than half the original 1800 amount in my first confirmation letter.

 

Can someone advise here, any help appreciated.

 

Can I send my vehicle for an independent assessment with a garage that specialises in this vehicle VW CAMPER.

 

Do I have to use their garages if they go the repair route as it is a specialist vehicle (by the insurers own admission, parts are difficult to source

 

Can i get a hire car rather am I entitled to a hire vehicle

 

I am sure there are many other things i need to ask but will save them for later

 

By the way insured fully comp

 

 

Great site. some incredible info

 

Thanks

Edited December 14, 2008 by carfrog
speling typos

[ROBOKOP]

Your insurance company will try and pay out as little as possible in order which is why when you refused the inital amount they upped it. For those people that dont challenge this they have made a bigger margin. I suggest you get cuttings of similar vehicles in terms of value and spec to confirm the amount you are requesting. Check that the vehicle is not on a "market value policy" and also root out any reciepts of any work undertaken that has enhanced or improved the vehicle.

 

You are not normally entitled to any hire vehicle for theft or fire. A limited amount of companies will provide it for 14 days but after that they leave you to your own devices. (Could this be so that you accept their first offer?!?!!?) Cynical I know.

[Arwyn]

Hi there!

 

I'm researching a TV programme on this very issue - can I contact you about this to discuss if we can look into your case ?

 

Arwyn