Policy Exclusions - Fair Wear &
Tear
Obviously your insurer does not want to pay for
the normal maintenance, servicing or wear and tear to your
car. So suppose your accident dented panel is rusted
through, your paint work is faded or you damaged exhaust
pipe was near the end of its life anyway. This is the
exclusion your insurer will rely upon when getting your car
repaired. Your insurer will tell the garage to charge you
for 'betterment' or a 'contribution'.
When the garage fit new parts to replace parts
worn out or rusted, you are having the car improved. That is
contrary to the principle of 'indemnity' and you will be asked
to pay the value of the improvement. A good quality insurer
will nowadays only ask this for parts you normally expect to
replace during the life time of the car, e.g. tyres, battery,
exhaust and so on.
Standards vary from one insurer to another. You
should expect a good insurer to:
- tell you in writing what you are being asked
to pay, in advance, and why
- be prepared to discuss and negotiate your share of the repair
cost, if any (but don't you be unreasonable either!!)
- only charge for parts replaced you would normally expect to
replace during the life of the car
"I knocked over a man, he admitted it was his fault
as he'd been
knocked over before." |
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Extracts taken from actual claim
forms submitted to
a number of UK car insurance companies |
Next.....
UK Car Insurance Policy Exclusions - Mechanical &
Electrical Faults
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