Making a claim for vehicle damage in France

[John in Leeds]

I am aware that UK car insurance covers basic liability in all EU countries but my insurance company refused to pursue a claim for damage when I was rear ended when stationary in mid December. The constat document was properly exchanged and the other vehicle driver clearly liable. I have sent full details to the other driver's insurance company but they are not wanting to deal with me. Does anyone have any experience on how to proceed.

To add insult to injury I purchased my fully comp insurance some 18 months ago through a comparison site on the basis of regular continental use. I took the renewal late last year without thought but failed to read the changes to european use.

I now must give notice of any forthcoming trip, and then pay an excess for any comprehensive cover over 3 days. The wonders of Esure

If I am not going to get paid out then I will get on and do the job myself as I can diy for a just a a few hundred pounds. I think anyone in this situation would be gutted if they suffered serious damage in the same circumstances and totally lost their vehicle.

[Warthog]

If you were insured with cover extending to Europe, I cannot fathom how they can refuse to pursue it. Otherwise contact the insurance company of the other driver and go from there, especially if there was no dispute of liability...

[strimstrum]

Warthog, what JohninLeeds is saying, I think, is that Esure have moved the goalposts since he incepted his policy by way of change at renewal date. Whilst he had 3rd party cover and was legal to drive in France it appears that Esure have now added a requirement to give notice to them to extend the comprehensive part of the policy where the journey is over 3 days duration.

I am an insurance broker and we see this time and time again when individuals arrange their own insurances - might save a few pounds but end up out of pocket.

JohninLeeds - Esure should have issued you with a demands and needs statement when you took out the policy and that should have shown your requirement for frequent overseas travel (as you stated in your posting). At renewal they are obliged to bring to your attention any important changes to your policy. I would be inclined to go back to Esure and bring to their attention that you originally took out their policy because they offered the overseas extension and that you relied on this to be continued at renewal. Otherwise, you are at liberty to sue the 3rd party insurers in France with a civil action in much the same way as you can in the UK.

[John in Leeds]

Originally Posted by strimstrum

Warthog, what JohninLeeds is saying, I think, is that Esure have moved the goalposts since he incepted his policy by way of change at renewal date. Whilst he had 3rd party cover and was legal to drive in France it appears that Esure have now added a requirement to give notice to them to extend the comprehensive part of the policy where the journey is over 3 days duration.

I am an insurance broker and we see this time and time again when individuals arrange their own insurances - might save a few pounds but end up out of pocket.

JohninLeeds - Esure should have issued you with a demands and needs statement when you took out the policy and that should have shown your requirement for frequent overseas travel (as you stated in your posting). At renewal they are obliged to bring to your attention any important changes to your policy. I would be inclined to go back to Esure and bring to their attention that you originally took out their policy because they offered the overseas extension and that you relied on this to be continued at renewal. Otherwise, you are at liberty to sue the 3rd party insurers in France with a civil action in much the same way as you can in the UK.

That reply was very helpful, thankyou.

Sadly I have tried using your auguments (hard) to get Esure to pick up the claim but to no avail. I have also made efforts with the 3rd party insurer but have got the brush off.

I wonder if you could give me some pointers on starting a civil action in France against the French insurance company. I believe they will pay up quickly if they understand I will not let this go and they will have additional costs to bare.

Lastly your comment on getting insurance direct is a serious point. I will cancel my cover and renew elsewhere. If you would like the business and will not break my bank please contact me