Admiral Insurance Drink and Drugs policy

Convicted Driver Insurance
I see, i was only questioning as I’ve had similar situation 6 months ago now where I informed admiral of a potential claim against my insurance, But they got back to me saying that the claim had been settled and that they hadn’t paid out. I wonder if they had any contact with you whilst you were waiting for the indemnity form?
Very interesting, I would fully expect that the 3rd party were in touch with my insurance the day after the accident took place and by the time I received the indemnity the claim was well under way. In terms contact between the 3rd party and myself direct there has been none.

As for the 3rd party themselves, I wasn’t even made aware of what exactly their claim consisted of until today, 1 year later. I have requested a breakdown of costs but admiral have suggested that won’t be possible until the claim has been paid out. They’ve also said there’s no chance they’ll be paying out £26k as requested by the 3rd Party solicitor but it’ll be interesting to see if they stick to this statement or not.
 
Very interesting, I would fully expect that the 3rd party were in touch with my insurance the day after the accident took place and by the time I received the indemnity the claim was well under way. In terms contact between the 3rd party and myself direct there has been none.

As for the 3rd party themselves, I wasn’t even made aware of what exactly their claim consisted of until today, 1 year later. I have requested a breakdown of costs but admiral have suggested that won’t be possible until the claim has been paid out. They’ve also said there’s no chance they’ll be paying out £26k as requested by the 3rd Party solicitor but it’ll be interesting to see if they stick to this statement or not.
Very interesting, I would fully expect that the 3rd party were in touch with my insurance the day after the accident took place and by the time I received the indemnity the claim was well under way. In terms contact between the 3rd party and myself direct there has been none.

As for the 3rd party themselves, I wasn’t even made aware of what exactly their claim consisted of until today, 1 year later. I have requested a breakdown of costs but admiral have suggested that won’t be possible until the claim has been paid out. They’ve also said there’s no chance they’ll be paying out £26k as requested by the 3rd Party solicitor but it’ll be interesting to see if they stick to this statement or not.
When I informed Admiral a member of the claims underwriting dept got back to me and stated their right to reclaim for any 3rd party claims that came their way. So i patiently have been waiting for the day the indemnity form to arrive but then a month ago they came back and sent me back the full premium for my insurance that they were with holding and told me the claim was settled as AD (accidental damage) only and that they had paid £0. I had caused enough damage rhat planning permission needed to be called due to listed building. I’ve seen the planning work planned and it doesn’t look cheap so I’m sure it’s just a mistake and that claim will come in the fullness of time. Maybe they have dealt with the council bollard I hit and the council couldn’t be bothered to claim for it and the house insurance will come after me when work is completed.
 
Quick turn around in a response to this by Admiral, they are aware of it and will be representing me in order to settle the claim and will likely seek reimbursement in future however very strange that they were not mentioned in the citation and that the citation was served directly to me.

I’ll keep this forum updated as things progress up to the point of resolution, hopefully can be of some use to others.

I don't believe it is unusual for the third party to take just you to court.
Admiral have presumably cancelled your policy and provide no cover.

Under the Road Traffic Act and uninsured driver process Admiral are still on the hook to pay any unsettled county court judgments against you. They will want their own legal representation to help challenge/validate the claim.

Out of interest I assume you blew over 35mg at the roadside, or at the police station? Or maybe the test was delayed?
Admiral don't require a conviction, just need you to have blown over the 'prescribed limit'
Police don't usually charge you unless it's over 40mg.

There is no evidence that signing the indemnity form leads to a lower settlement figure.
Whilst it's in Admiral's interest to reduce amount they don't expend much time and effort on it.

It could be in your interest to make sure you attend court yourself with your own legal representation (if you can afford it)
In the past Admiral go for early settlement without your involvement and you never get the chance to challenge the third party. Court proceedings will add to the claim due to legal fees but this is supposed to be the process.

Admiral seem to have changed their tactics.
 
When I informed Admiral a member of the claims underwriting dept got back to me and stated their right to reclaim for any 3rd party claims that came their way. So i patiently have been waiting for the day the indemnity form to arrive but then a month ago they came back and sent me back the full premium for my insurance that they were with holding and told me the claim was settled as AD (accidental damage) only and that they had paid £0. I had caused enough damage rhat planning permission needed to be called due to listed building. I’ve seen the planning work planned and it doesn’t look cheap so I’m sure it’s just a mistake and that claim will come in the fullness of time. Maybe they have dealt with the council bollard I hit and the council couldn’t be bothered to claim for it and the house insurance will come after me when work is completed.
Perhaps admiral are considering the council bollard and the damage to the listed building as 2 separate claims and the claim they have declared as settled is the one associated with the bollard? Then like you suggested they’ll seek reimbursement for the costs surrounding the listed building. That still wouldn’t explain their willingness to reimburse you for the remaining cost of the premium.

Like me you probably can’t help but speculate when it comes to this as the lack of communication is painful. I imagine you’ve also found difficulty with finding a solicitor who is knowledgeable enough in this field to be of meaningful assistance? I think this thread has assisted me more in the civil side of things than the 6 conversations worth of info I’ve had with solicitors 🤣
 
Perhaps admiral are considering the council bollard and the damage to the listed building as 2 separate claims and the claim they have declared as settled is the one associated with the bollard? Then like you suggested they’ll seek reimbursement for the costs surrounding the listed building. That still wouldn’t explain their willingness to reimburse you for the remaining cost of the premium.

Like me you probably can’t help but speculate when it comes to this as the lack of communication is painful. I imagine you’ve also found difficulty with finding a solicitor who is knowledgeable enough in this field to be of meaningful assistance? I think this thread has assisted me more in the civil side of things than the 6 conversations worth of info I’ve had with solicitors 🤣

It is nigh on impossible to find a solicitor with the knowledge to handle these cases.
I did find a barrister (who specialised in Motor insurance) prepared to chat for an hour to help explain how the law works.
It is undoubtedly complex and unclear. Insurance companies rather than individuals employ these barristers to fight amongst themselves about liability.
I was tempted to have the chat even though it would cost £500 + VAT !!!
 
I don't believe it is unusual for the third party to take just you to court.
Admiral have presumably cancelled your policy and provide no cover.

Under the Road Traffic Act and uninsured driver process Admiral are still on the hook to pay any unsettled county court judgments against you. They will want their own legal representation to help challenge/validate the claim.

Out of interest I assume you blew over 35mg at the roadside, or at the police station? Or maybe the test was delayed?
Admiral don't require a conviction, just need you to have blown over the 'prescribed limit'
Police don't usually charge you unless it's over 40mg.

There is no evidence that signing the indemnity form leads to a lower settlement figure.
Whilst it's in Admiral's interest to reduce amount they don't expend much time and effort on it.

It could be in your interest to make sure you attend court yourself with your own legal representation (if you can afford it)
In the past Admiral go for early settlement without your involvement and you never get the chance to challenge the third party. Court proceedings will add to the claim due to legal fees but this is supposed to be the process.

Admiral seem to have changed their tactics.
In the conversation I had with them over the phone earlier today I questioned them on it and said they were in receipt of a citation and would deal with it in my stead. When I asked how I should respond to the citation they advised that I don’t respond and leave it with them to process.

Like you said there I imagine they’ll “challenge” it using their own solicitors and then come after me in the following months once it’s been settled. Between challenging it myself or letting admiral make a likely feeble attempt to challenge it for me it’s a bit of a rock and a hard place as challenging it myself will be expensive but admiral likely won’t challenge it enough like you say.

As for the reading, when I was breathalysed at the roadside Police Scotland used one of the old style breathalysers which merely indicate “pass” or “fail”, I was then subject to urine analysis due to the fact the airbag in my vehicle deployed (bad luck given the low velocity of impact) and I’m only now dealing with the criminal court aspect as it has taken a year for sample analysis and court summons.

Admiral did also say they made an early settlement offer to the 3rd party in respect of his “injuries” however this was turned down which is how I imagine this has gone to civil court in the first place.
 
It is nigh on impossible to find a solicitor with the knowledge to handle these cases.
I did find a barrister (who specialised in Motor insurance) prepared to chat for an hour to help explain how the law works.
It is undoubtedly complex and unclear. Insurance companies rather than individuals employ these barristers to fight amongst themselves about liability.
I was tempted to have the chat even though it would cost £500 + VAT !!!
Too right it is, I was able to find one willing to have a brief chat with me with regards to the subject however similarly they would’ve looked to have charged around £3-400 an hour which is simply unworkable for the average punter. Nearly all high street solicitors aren’t even willing to have the conversation
 
Ah!
Scotland has much lower limits - 22mg per 100ml of breath. Or 67 mg per 100ml of Urine.

Are you expecting a conviction?

I have seen a case that went to the Financial Ombudsman where the second test at the station was under so Admiral were told to settle under the policy.
 
Ah!
Scotland has much lower limits - 22mg per 100ml of breath. Or 67 mg per 100ml of Urine.

Are you expecting a conviction?

I have seen a case that went to the Financial Ombudsman where the second test at the station was under so Admiral were told to settle under the policy.
Unfortunately so! As the case is still on going I would clearly like to refrain from divulging too much information but suffice it to say it could go either way due to a number of reasons.

Regardless, I could live with a driving ban and a fine and, if guilt is proven, then I would accept that and move on. But a £26k bill? Slightly larger hoof in the proverbials.

I would imagine in the event of no conviction in my case admiral would push for the money on the balance of probabilities but I would 100% be involving the Ombudsman nevertheless. There could also be the issue that Admiral presumably operate under the Law of England and Wales and as such it could be argued I was allegedly over at the roadside by Scottish law but potentially not by the Law of England and Wales due to the lack of breathalyser reading? Probably reaching there but worth an ask.

Like I say I intend to keep updating as this goes on but for now I reckon I’m going to sit tight and wait for Admiral to do (or not do) their thing.
 
Unfortunately so! As the case is still on going I would clearly like to refrain from divulging too much information but suffice it to say it could go either way due to a number of reasons.

Regardless, I could live with a driving ban and a fine and, if guilt is proven, then I would accept that and move on. But a £26k bill? Slightly larger hoof in the proverbials.

I would imagine in the event of no conviction in my case admiral would push for the money on the balance of probabilities but I would 100% be involving the Ombudsman nevertheless. There could also be the issue that Admiral presumably operate under the Law of England and Wales and as such it could be argued I was allegedly over at the roadside by Scottish law but potentially not by the Law of England and Wales due to the lack of breathalyser reading? Probably reaching there but worth an ask.

Like I say I intend to keep updating as this goes on but for now I reckon I’m going to sit tight and wait for Admiral to do (or not do) their thing.
Make sure Admiral have your detailed version of events before the court case.
It might help later if you think they haven't accurately and fairly represented you in court.

Personally I'd rather be in the courtroom to hear exactly what is said.
You can do that just as an observer.
 
Make sure Admiral have your detailed version of events before the court case.
It might help later if you think they haven't accurately and fairly represented you in court.

Personally I'd rather be in the courtroom to hear exactly what is said.
You can do that just as an observer.
Really good shout this I hadn’t considered that I could be there simply to observe, I will definitely aim to do this where possible.

I will draft an email politely requesting I be informed of any further court dates that admiral become aware of with relation to the claim. The citation I have currently states the notice of intention to defend period (21 days from today, final day being 7th April) but it doesn’t state the actual date for the court appearance so hopefully they play ball.

If not I’ll simply speak to the court itself.
 
If your insurance pays out for third party car damages, are they able to reclaim it from you? Hastings direct for reference, anyone with experience in this your advice would be appreciated.
 
Hello all

Firstly, thank you for all the conversation, a really interesting read!

I've just been told of my impending doom with Admiral insurance, but for context I'll give a quick overview.

May last year, I had an accident with a parked car. The guy called the police as he thought it was a hit and run - in reality, I was parking my car up to a safe place and headed back.

When the police arrived, I had a breathalyser test, which I failed. However I was taken to the police station and given another test, which I passed.

The next day I called admiral, I was open and honest about everything, and they recovered my car and we're seemingly very nice. They recovered the car etc.

They sent some emails, I phoned them, they phoned me and we're very much based around the cars value, mileage, service history etc.

Fast forward to today, I called them to see what was the progress and they've explained that I was in breach of contract, and they are going to be looking to recover costs of around £5000.

I am just wondering why I wasn't told this when I originally made them aware, and is there any hope in hell that I can challenge or at least get an answer as to why it's taken a year for me to know about this. They still have my car somewhere!
 
Hello all

Firstly, thank you for all the conversation, a really interesting read!

I've just been told of my impending doom with Admiral insurance, but for context I'll give a quick overview.

May last year, I had an accident with a parked car. The guy called the police as he thought it was a hit and run - in reality, I was parking my car up to a safe place and headed back.

When the police arrived, I had a breathalyser test, which I failed. However I was taken to the police station and given another test, which I passed.

The next day I called admiral, I was open and honest about everything, and they recovered my car and we're seemingly very nice. They recovered the car etc.

They sent some emails, I phoned them, they phoned me and we're very much based around the cars value, mileage, service history etc.

Fast forward to today, I called them to see what was the progress and they've explained that I was in breach of contract, and they are going to be looking to recover costs of around £5000.

I am just wondering why I wasn't told this when I originally made them aware, and is there any hope in hell that I can challenge or at least get an answer as to why it's taken a year for me to know about this. They still have my car somewhere!
How are they justifying the costs of £5000?
 
They state to cover the costs of the repair of the car I crashed into.
It would seem Admiral can take this approach if you have been drinking any amount. You don't need to be under the Drink Driving limit for them.

I would check the small print wording of your policy to see if it makes any mention of alcohol below the legal limit.
 
I just thought it quite strange that even after nearly a year this is the first time they've mentioned it, even though I was upfront at the beginning.

If it was black and white (as they are stating) it's crazy I've just heard about it!
 
Hello all

Firstly, thank you for all the conversation, a really interesting read!

I've just been told of my impending doom with Admiral insurance, but for context I'll give a quick overview.

May last year, I had an accident with a parked car. The guy called the police as he thought it was a hit and run - in reality, I was parking my car up to a safe place and headed back.

When the police arrived, I had a breathalyser test, which I failed. However I was taken to the police station and given another test, which I passed.

The next day I called admiral, I was open and honest about everything, and they recovered my car and we're seemingly very nice. They recovered the car etc.

They sent some emails, I phoned them, they phoned me and we're very much based around the cars value, mileage, service history etc.

Fast forward to today, I called them to see what was the progress and they've explained that I was in breach of contract, and they are going to be looking to recover costs of around £5000.

I am just wondering why I wasn't told this when I originally made them aware, and is there any hope in hell that I can challenge or at least get an answer as to why it's taken a year for me to know about this. They still have my car somewhere!
What were the readings at the roadside and at the station?

The 'prescribed limit' is 35mg alcohol per 100 ml breath. Police prosecute at 40mg and above but Admiral will cancel your policy at 36mv and above.
 
I can't quite remember, I'll have to get the details again. Would this be for the Breathalyser test on the roadside, or in the station?
 
If your insurance pays out for third party car damages, are they able to reclaim it from you? Hastings direct for reference, anyone with experience in this your advice would be appreciated.
Whilst I’m unaware of the specifics with regards to Hastings, I can say that the overwhelming majority of insurers I’ve gotten quotes from have had a drink/drugs exclusion clause somewhere in their T&C’s which states that they must pay out to satisfy any 3rd party claim/Court Judgement in the first instance however will look to recover the costs paid out at a later date from you (or words to that effect.)

I’d advise going over your policy documents in extensive detail, particularly any section which references claims or exclusions. If you’re unable to find anything relating to a drink/drugs exclusion then it could be that Hastings do not have one as these companies do exist (Privilege Insurance being one as far as I’m aware).

Additionally, if you haven’t yet received any correspondence from Hastings suggesting that they’re going to seek to recover costs from you and you haven’t received a consent and indemnity form from them then your best course of action may be to sit tight.

Has the 3rd party claim since been settled or is the incident fairly recent? If recent then you may be waiting a while as these companies do tend to drag their heels somewhat (atleast that’s been my experience with admiral/their subsidiaries).
 
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