I currently have car insurance with Sainsburys Finance.
Recently I was hit from behind by another car causing damage to my
bumper and boot mainly, however the lambda sensor warning light came on.
The other driver admitted liability, Sainsburys then strongly encourage me to go with Drive Assist as they would be able to deal with my claim quicker and I would not have a "non fault" on my record. I had never heard of Drive Assist but was told by Sainsburys that they would take care of all the issues.
The upshot is that Drive Assist have authorised the repairs to the bumper and boot, however they will not authorise the replacement of the lambda sensor. The only reason I was given was that in their engineers "opinion" this was not caused by the accident - even after it transpired that the cars diagnostics show that the light came on at the exact time of the impact!!!! The claim handler tried to say that this is does not prove that the fault occured as a result of the accident??
I have been told that I need to take the car to Audi and get them to provide written evidence that this was caused by the accident. The sensor costs £103 and it will cost more to send to Audi. Drive Assist won't even tell me what would be deemed as sufficient evidence! I have spoken to Audi and explained the situation. Their view was that it was fair and reasonable that a sensor connected to the exhaust system would be affected by a rear impact (which wrote off the other car) and especially given the diagnostic evidence. They were happy for Drive Assist to call them and they would give their view. Drive Assist have refused to do this.
I have made a formal complaint which could take weeks to be dealt with. Meanwhile Drive Assist want my hire car back and have cancelled my insurance on the vehicle as of Monday. I do not know what to do and would appreciate any advice. I don't want to collect the car as I am concerned that something might go really wrong with it and no one will take responsibility. I want to keep the hire car (even if just as leverage), but I am not sure of the legal position.
Sainsburys are trying to say it is nothing to do with them. I want to involve the FSA as I don't want this to happen to others, however it will not help me fix the current issue.
Sorry for the length of this post, however wanted to give you the context.
Regards,
Greg
Recently I was hit from behind by another car causing damage to my
bumper and boot mainly, however the lambda sensor warning light came on.
The other driver admitted liability, Sainsburys then strongly encourage me to go with Drive Assist as they would be able to deal with my claim quicker and I would not have a "non fault" on my record. I had never heard of Drive Assist but was told by Sainsburys that they would take care of all the issues.
The upshot is that Drive Assist have authorised the repairs to the bumper and boot, however they will not authorise the replacement of the lambda sensor. The only reason I was given was that in their engineers "opinion" this was not caused by the accident - even after it transpired that the cars diagnostics show that the light came on at the exact time of the impact!!!! The claim handler tried to say that this is does not prove that the fault occured as a result of the accident??
I have been told that I need to take the car to Audi and get them to provide written evidence that this was caused by the accident. The sensor costs £103 and it will cost more to send to Audi. Drive Assist won't even tell me what would be deemed as sufficient evidence! I have spoken to Audi and explained the situation. Their view was that it was fair and reasonable that a sensor connected to the exhaust system would be affected by a rear impact (which wrote off the other car) and especially given the diagnostic evidence. They were happy for Drive Assist to call them and they would give their view. Drive Assist have refused to do this.
I have made a formal complaint which could take weeks to be dealt with. Meanwhile Drive Assist want my hire car back and have cancelled my insurance on the vehicle as of Monday. I do not know what to do and would appreciate any advice. I don't want to collect the car as I am concerned that something might go really wrong with it and no one will take responsibility. I want to keep the hire car (even if just as leverage), but I am not sure of the legal position.
Sainsburys are trying to say it is nothing to do with them. I want to involve the FSA as I don't want this to happen to others, however it will not help me fix the current issue.
Sorry for the length of this post, however wanted to give you the context.
Regards,
Greg