Understanding unexpected claims on your motor insurance

It can be confusing to see unexpected claims on your motor insurance record. This guide explores why your insurer might show a claim you don’t recall, including third-party claims, incidents involving other drivers, and issues with claim reporting or settlements. Understanding these scenarios can help clarify and resolve any discrepancies on your insurance record.

Why does my insurer say I have a claim when I don’t remember making one?

There could be a few reasons why your insurer indicates you have a claim on your record, even if you don’t recall making one:

• Third-Party Claims: Even if you didn't file a claim yourself, another party involved in an incident may have made a claim against your insurance policy, resulting in it being recorded.
• Claims by Other Drivers: If someone else was driving your insured vehicle and was involved in an incident, the claim might be filed under your policy, impacting your record.
• Privately Settled Accidents: If you settled a minor accident privately with the other party but reported it to your insurer for record-keeping, it might be considered a potential claim if you didn’t finalize the settlement with your insurer.

If you think there's a mistake, contact your broker or insurer to review the details of the claim on record.

I was not at fault in a previous accident and made a claim against the other party. Why does my insurer now say I have a claim against me?

This could be due to several reasons:

• Third-Party Claims: The other driver may believe you were at fault and filed a claim against you. Insurance companies will investigate to determine fault based on available evidence, such as police reports and photographs.
• Insurance Procedures: Insurers may notify you of a claim against you as part of their standard process to ensure all aspects of the incident are reviewed, even if they believe you were not at fault.

To address this, you should:

• Contact Your Broker: Request details about the claim against you and the steps being taken.
• Provide Evidence: Share any evidence you have (e.g., photos, video footage) to support your case.

I reported a claim but did not pursue it with my previous insurer. Why is it still recorded as a claim?

Even if you reported an incident but didn’t pursue it or receive compensation, the insurer may still record it as a claim due to:

• Claim Reporting: Reporting an incident initiates a claims process and is documented as a claim, regardless of whether it results in a payout.
• Record Keeping: Insurers keep detailed records of all reported incidents, even those that don’t lead to financial transactions, to assess risk and set premiums.

If you believe this claim should not be on your record, contact your previous insurer for clarification.

There was minor damage, and we agreed not to file a claim. Why does it now show as a claim against me?

Even if both parties agreed not to file a claim initially, one party may have decided to file a claim later. Additionally, the incident may have been reported to the insurer as a precaution, which is why it appears as a claim on your record.

To prevent this, ensure you sign a private settlement agreement with the other party and submit it to the insurer to officially close the case. You can download a copy of the private settlement letter here