Whose car insurance is it anyway?

A reader from Northern Ireland is having trouble making a car insurance claim after a case of vandalism.

Ian Durrell, myfinances.co.uk insurance expert from the Only Group, which includes onlyinsurance.com, tackles the issue.

Martin from Larne asks:

My car was written off due to criminal damage, the police got the man, who pleaded guilty to the offence. But the insurance company has now said that because my mother was the policy holder and I am the registered keeper they doubt I will be compensated.

I always have used mother's insurance to keep cost down as I am single parent.

How can this happen, after five years they just say they policyholder must be registered keeper? Please any help appreciated.

Ian replies

It is a common understanding that the policy holder and registered keeper are the same person. But it is not impossible that an insurer will cover this scenario.

I would suggest having a full check on what details were entered on the system for the insurance company. If it is listed that he is the reg keeper then they will be honour bound to compensate.

If they can show that he is not listed as the reg keeper, then I would suggest that he pushes for a full return of premium as they have been incorrectly insuring.

They can’t have it both ways, either they pay or they refund the premium.

If you have a question for Ian, go to the myfinances.co.uk Ask the Insurance Expert section.

Only Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.