Admiral Insurance Drink and Drugs policy

[riccian]

2. My van shall be write off but I will tow it to garage to double confirm. Please correct me if wrong, no need to wait for their so called underwriting team to complete their investigation as most likely I will be convicted.

>>> Just discussed with a garage, they said it is not about if insurer will cover or not in this circumstance. It's about they have to investigate and inspect and make a decision before anything can follow. So unfortunately the van needs to stay in my driveway for a long period I guess.

 

[riccian]

Had gone through this invaluable 50 pages, didn't note strange things like what I encountered today so just for sharing. A lady from TP dept called me and asked for the number of the other vehicle owner. She liked to sort out with the owner direct to reach a better result for me. My questions to her,

1. TP dept talks to the other TP dept, why calling me. Just courtesy calling your customer? Yesterday I cancelled the policy already.
2. Better result? I think it will be the worse.
3. You said you are allowed to call the other owner as a courtesy call? I think it is certainly not allowed, not your customer even.
4. If it is discovered that you contacted the other owner without informing me, definitely a complaint is coming.

Again I am ashamed for what I did, but an approach like this demonstrated how far they can go.

 

[Depressed Dad]

Had gone through this invaluable 50 pages, didn't note strange things like what I encountered today so just for sharing. A lady from TP dept called me and asked for the number of the other vehicle owner. She liked to sort out with the owner direct to reach a better result for me. My questions to her,

1. TP dept talks to the other TP dept, why calling me. Just courtesy calling your customer? Yesterday I cancelled the policy already.
2. Better result? I think it will be the worse.
3. You said you are allowed to call the other owner as a courtesy call? I think it is certainly not allowed, not your customer even.
4. If it is discovered that you contacted the other owner without informing me, definitely a complaint is coming.

Again I am ashamed for what I did, but an approach like this demonstrated how far they can go.

Your insurer is on the hook for the Third Party claims even if the policy is voided or cancelled.

They will try to settle directly with the third party if they can.

They are trying to avoid the TP engaging a claims management company which would lead to extortionate claims.

 

[riccian]

Your insurer is on the hook for the Third Party claims even if the policy is voided or cancelled.

They will try to settle directly with the third party if they can.

They are trying to avoid the TP engaging a claims management company which would lead to extortionate claims.

Thank you for reply. I am lost and confused and go over past replies again. So my insurer really wants to lower the amount to avoid a claims management company involves, because they want to make sure the recoup amount is not sky high and more chance I can pay back? Anyway the arrest was so quick not even a chance to exchange number with TP so I am all blind.

 

[Depressed Dad]

Thank you for reply. I am lost and confused and go over past replies again. So my insurer really wants to lower the amount to avoid a claims management company involves, because they want to make sure the recoup amount is not sky high and more chance I can pay back? Anyway the arrest was so quick not even a chance to exchange number with TP so I am all blind.

That's it. I'm guessing they don't get much back so it's in their own interest to keep the claim down. It still ends up more than you'd expect though.

 

[jdt101]

Hello I was arrested for Drug Driving after a collision and released on investigation. I expect the test to come back positive.

I spoke to Admiral that evening to make them aware that I was in an accident and a claim would be coming from the other party. I told them I was dealing with my car myself and just making them aware of the accident. They asked me if I have been convicted of a driving offence so I said no, and then they asked me if the police took a sample after the accident which I said they have and no results.

I then recieved this in my email about my claim:

Please send us any correspondence you have received in relation to this incident. If the third party and/or their representatives contact you, please refer them to us quoting the claim reference above. You must also tell us straightaway of any pending police prosecutions.

Does that mean I have to phone them back and let them know I'm under investigation now? Or is that for when my test comes back positive and CPS decide to prosecute me?

 

[Xeronema]

Hello I was arrested for Drug Driving after a collision and released on investigation. I expect the test to come back positive.

I spoke to Admiral that evening to make them aware that I was in an accident and a claim would be coming from the other party. I told them I was dealing with my car myself and just making them aware of the accident. They asked me if I have been convicted of a driving offence so I said no, and then they asked me if the police took a sample after the accident which I said they have and no results.

I then recieved this in my email about my claim:

Please send us any correspondence you have received in relation to this incident. If the third party and/or their representatives contact you, please refer them to us quoting the claim reference above. You must also tell us straightaway of any pending police prosecutions.

Does that mean I have to phone them back and let them know I'm under investigation now? Or is that for when my test comes back positive and CPS decide to prosecute me?

If Admiral have used the words 'pending police prosecutions', then yes you must tell them as soon as possible. I'd also advise cancelling your insurance policy before they do it for you.

 

[Xeronema]

If Admiral have used the words 'pending police prosecutions', then yes you must tell them as soon as possible. I'd also advise cancelling your insurance policy before they do it for you.

Just to clarify my previous comment about cancelling your insurance policy. Don't let them cancel your policy, otherwise you'll have to declare that, for life, whenever you take out insurance in the future.

I'm not sure if Admiral will cancel the policy upon conviction or if a failed drug urinalysis is enough for them to do so sooner. If you're still driving at the moment, then you'll still need your insurance policy.

I just wanted to clarify what I meant about cancelling your policy.

 

[jdt101]

Just to clarify my previous comment about cancelling your insurance policy. Don't let them cancel your policy, otherwise you'll have to declare that, for life, whenever you take out insurance in the future.

I'm not sure if Admiral will cancel the policy upon conviction or if a failed drug urinalysis is enough for them to do so sooner. If you're still driving at the moment, then you'll still need your insurance policy.

I just wanted to clarify what I meant about cancelling your policy.

They are not allowed to cancel my policy for just being under investigation are they? So there is no problem for me reporting that I'm under investigation, then cancel my policy if positive results come in and charges are brought?

 

[Xeronema]

They are not allowed to cancel my policy for just being under investigation are they? So there is no problem for me reporting that I'm under investigation, then cancel my policy if positive results come in and charges are brought?

Correct, they shouldn't be able to cancel your policy until you've actually been convicted. Realistically, if you get a positive result, there isn't likely going to be much time between receiving that and attending court. *If I were you I'd probably not tell Admiral about the test result until a few days before you're due to attend court. At that point I'd then call and cancel the policy.

*This applies if you're going to plead guilty - which given your circumstances seems like the best thing to do. Obviously I'm not a solicitor, that's just my opinion, given the circumstances surrounding your possible defences (all of which seem like a losing battle, except for maybe trying to contest procedures taken with the processing of the urine sample).

 

[jdt101]

Also can anyone let me know where in Admirals policy documents does it state they can come after you for third party costs after a DD conviction? I've looked and the only thing in the booklet about DD just states:

"11.Drink and drugs clause If an accident happens while any insured person is driving and:y is found to be over the legal limit for alcohol or drugsy is driving while unfit through drink or drugs, whether prescribed or otherwisey fails to provide a sample of breath, blood or urine when required to do so, without lawful reason.No cover under the policy will be given and instead, liability will be restricted to meeting the obligations as requiredby Road Traffic Law and we will cancel your policy."

 

[Xeronema]

Also can anyone let me know where in Admirals policy documents does it state they can come after you for third party costs after a DD conviction? I've looked and the only thing in the booklet about DD just states:

"11.Drink and drugs clause If an accident happens while any insured person is driving and:y is found to be over the legal limit for alcohol or drugsy is driving while unfit through drink or drugs, whether prescribed or otherwisey fails to provide a sample of breath, blood or urine when required to do so, without lawful reason.No cover under the policy will be given and instead, liability will be restricted to meeting the obligations as requiredby Road Traffic Law and we will cancel your policy."

I'm assuming it's section 6:

"If an incident occurs which is not covered by this policy and we are required by the law of any country to make a payment, we can recover that amount from you or any other insured person.".​

If you're over the limit, you aren't covered by your policy, therefore are liable for any costs incurred.

 

[jdt101]

I'm assuming it's section 6:

"If an incident occurs which is not covered by this policy and we are required by the law of any country to make a payment, we can recover that amount from you or any other insured person.".​

If you're over the limit, you aren't covered by your policy, therefore are liable for any costs incurred.

Thanks, from what I've seen of cases where they look to recover they all seem to be large amounts?

If it's a relatively cheap claim on the third party will they even bother?

 

[Xeronema]

Thanks, from what I've seen of cases where they look to recover they all seem to be large amounts?

If it's a relatively cheap claim on the third party will they even bother?

Not sure, I've only ever had one claim taken out against me on my second DR10 and I'm not 100% sure if the person actually claimed (hedge row that I obliterated). I know they said they were going to, however I never received anything from the insurance company.

What damages were they, if you don't mind me asking? Was it another vehicle or was it roadside furniture? I doubt any amount is too small for the insurance company to try and recover.

 

[jdt101]

Not sure, I've only ever had one claim taken out against me on my second DR10 and I'm not 100% sure if the person actually claimed (hedge row that I obliterated). I know they said they were going to, however I never received anything from the insurance company.

What damages were they, if you don't mind me asking? Was it another vehicle or was it roadside furniture? I doubt any amount is too small for the insurance company to try and recover.

I was taken away pretty quickly so didn't see anything to be honest. My car was written off but didn't have much damage, just a busted radiator/cooler etc on the front, kinda looked like i'd hit into a bollard. Just worried if he claims injury tbh, I suffer from a condition which makes me very susceptible to soft tissue injuries, like I can't play sports kind of susceptible and I was not injured other than a bruise.

I did not get any of his information and he has not contacted me or my insurance yet, but it's only been around 3 days.

 

[Xeronema]

I was taken away pretty quickly so didn't see anything to be honest. My car was written off but didn't have much damage, just a busted radiator/cooler etc on the front, kinda looked like i'd hit into a bollard. Just worried if he claims injury tbh, I suffer from a condition which makes me very susceptible to soft tissue injuries, like I can't play sports kind of susceptible and I was not injured other than a bruise.

I did not get any of his information and he has not contacted me or my insurance yet, but it's only been around 3 days.

If he does claim compensation or any other costs (hire car, loss of earnings, etc), make sure to get a full breakdown of those costs from Admiral. Don't pay anything until you've got that breakdown of costs.

Like you've already mentioned yourself, it's not that uncommon to see the third party claiming over a few thousand pounds, even when there's very little to no damage. I was really fortunate, nobody was involved in my second RTI, except for spreading my car across a farmers field in spectacular fashion, after taking out a 10 metre stretch of willow hedgerow.

 

[jdt101]

If he does claim compensation or any other costs (hire car, loss of earnings, etc), make sure to get a full breakdown of those costs from Admiral. Don't pay anything until you've got that breakdown of costs.

Like you've already mentioned yourself, it's not that uncommon to see the third party claiming over a few thousand pounds, even when there's very little to no damage. I was really fortunate, nobody was involved in my second RTI, except for spreading my car across a farmers field in spectacular fashion, after taking out a 10 metre stretch of willow hedgerow.

Thanks for all your help mate. I'll phone Admiral tomorrow and admit I'm under investigation, then wait for a week or two before my hearing (or before my renewal if results take a while) and cancel my insurance myself. Do I have to state a reason when cancelling? Or will that not affect anything?

 

[Luna2000]

Thanks for all your help mate. I'll phone Admiral tomorrow and admit I'm under investigation, then wait for a week or two before my hearing (or before my renewal if results take a while) and cancel my insurance myself. Do I have to state a reason when cancelling? Or will that not affect anything?

Cancel it before you tell them or they will cancel it. If Admiral cancel, you then need to answer 'Yes' when applying for future insurance when asked the question 'Have you ever had a policy canceled.'

The cancellation won't affect anything in relation to the accident. Admiral still need to cover the costs incurred by the innocent third party.

They will then try and recover these from you, and that is when you need to begin asking a long series of question regarding the amount claimed.

 

[jdt101]

Cancel it before you tell them or they will cancel it. If Admiral cancel, you then need to answer 'Yes' when applying for future insurance when asked the question 'Have you ever had a policy canceled.'

The cancellation won't affect anything in relation to the accident. Admiral still need to cover the costs incurred by the innocent third party.

They will then try and recover these from you, and that is when you need to begin asking a long series of question regarding the amount claimed.

From what I understand they can't cancel for just being under investigation because the tests could just come back completely negative in their eyes. Once I have positive results and a hearing date I will cancel then.

Scrap that, I was worried I would be on the hook for large costs to cancel but I actually got a £40 refund lol. Policy has been cancelled now. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Xeronema]

I wouldn't mind getting a firm answer as to whether they can cancel a policy for being under investigation. It's worth knowing because there are going to be cases where people are driving for months before needing to appear in court. Then you've got the not guilty pleas. I suspect it'll help others as well, given that they may need to rely on being able to drive, right up until they're disqualified.