Monkey Dad had an accident the other day – quite a serious one.
He was driving to a job when a truck crossed into his lane, and clipped the back of his van, sending him careering across the motorway. He rolled one-and-a-half times, landing on his driver’s side, halfway up a road barrier.
He was pulled from the wreck by a passing motorist and, thankfully, was OK – well, as OK as you can be after such a dramatic crash. He had whiplash, a thumping head, and was aching from top to toe, but could easily have been much MUCH worse.
Despite the fact this wasn’t our fault, and costs are being reclaimed from the truck driver’s third party insurance, we’re still being unfairly penalised by sneaky loopholes.
We still pay a £500 excess, and lose our no-claims period. And because his van was totalled, Monkey Dad isn’t eligible for a courtesy vehicle (you can only get one while your vehicle is being repaired – his van is irreparable).
We’re lucky we have another car he can use for work until the claim is settled, but it leaves me and the kids without transport in the interim, and it’s cost us another £60 to add him on to the insurance for the next few weeks.
Worst still, the insurance will only pay out the current market value straight to his finance company, which is thousands less than the amount he still owes. Now they tell him there was a ‘gap’ insurance he could’ve taken out to cover this shortfall. Fat lot of good that does us now.
Meanwhile the ‘guilty’ party was back on the road within the hour. He probably got a slap on the wrist from his employer, then returned to business as usual.
As desperately unfair, and worrying as the whole situation is, we have to keep reminding ourselves that everyone is safe and well.
Now we know why insurers have a bad name – those loopholes are ridiculous. Hope you are having a nice cuddle :). And glad to hear that Monkey Dad is OK.
Midlife Single Mum: I know, it’s so frustrating. They look for any excuse to pay as little as possible. It’s just not fair when it’s not our fault. Yes, I had a lovely cuddle… x
So relieved to hear he is ok Jac. Goodness it’s scary, isn’t it?! Like you said, you just never know when everything is going to be turned upside down – literally! Much love to you all xox
First off, I am glad to hear that he is OK and just shook up. Secondly you should be able to reclaim your excess back from the other insurance company, which doesnt solve the issue of the GAP, but will make things a little less expensive
Scary! Glad he is okay. Remember, it could have been so, so different. But it all sucks nonetheless. Amazing how some stranger can walk in and turn your life upside down without a second thought…
I am glad he is ok. Things like that do put things into perspective and make you realise how lucky we are. x
Thanks Sam! Just when you think life is settling down a bit… 😉
The Mad House: That will def help – it all seems so unfair, considering the accident wasn’t our fault. x
I’m So Fancy: That’s what I just keep telling myself – as long as he’s fine, and the kids are safe and well. Anything else we can sort out somehow. x
Katie: It sure does. It could have been so much worse – makes you realise how life can change in an instant. x
Woah, I was popping by to say great to see you the other day and saw this post. So glad that he was ok, that’s some scary stuff. And as far as I’m concerned the whole insurance thing is a racket. Our car was totalled by a tree last year in a freak accident and our policy wouldn’t cover it, no courtesy car, zilch.
Hope you get back on the road safely soon and meantime, enjoy cuddling those beauties x
B.A.T: It’s so unfair, isn’t it? Now, just like your situation, it looks like he might not be covered at all… very worrying!!! xx