Re: Motor accident - Third Party at fault
There are 3 ways to deal with motor accident caused by TP.
1. You deal directly with TP - get 2 repair estimates and send to them, they pay without involving insurers. Advise your insurers, in case you need to go route 3.
2. You deal with TP insurers: the TP has admitted liablity, has sent in claim form ( insurers need this before settling claims as they have to show it to their auditors) and you send them estimates, often they will have an assessor inspect your vehicle. Once figure is agreed they pay you, often they will also pay "reasonable" car hire costs ie 3-5 days. Advise your insurers, in case you need to go route 3.
3. you go via your insurers: you claim from your policy,( claim noted on your policy) you get cost of repairs less excess. you insurers then look for recovery from TP insurers, if this is sucessful your insurers will receive back the money they paid to you ( clearing your NCB) and you will receive back the excess and possibly car hire. Recovery can take a long time depending on circumstances.
I would recommed this route if you feel the TP will refute liability ( away from teh scene many change their minds) or you want a quick settlement.
If you are hit by an uninsured motorist you should approach the motor insurers bureau.
WARNING: There is a current insurance fraud: Insurance discs are stolen form cars and used by another person or fake discs are used. if you are in an accident take the insurance details from the windscreen, the car reg, the persons name and number and that of any passenger and any witness, the name, station and number of any garda, make a sketch. If you can ask the person to show you some id with their name on it. Many foreign nationals are using "fake" insurance or giving fake details, this is a fact - i work in the industry and i have friends who are foreign nationlas and they are regularly approached to see if they want to buy fake documents.
If anyone wants I have a word document " what to do at the scene of an accident" I can post on AAM if anyone interested? could be handy for people to print off and keep in car.