How do I claim for my accident damaged kit?

 

Question

 

 

Saturday night I had a Mercedes Sprinter decide that my side of the road looked like more fun to drive on and I got cleaned up by the wing, shattered my foot and ended up going for a slide down the road. My leathers, boots and helmet are now ruined but the insurance company wants receipts for it all if I'm going to claim for it. My only problem is I bought my leathers from someone that had previously owned them so how do I go about claiming for them now?

 

Jim Herby, From MCN online Insurance Forum

  

Answer

 

I suggest you arrange for 2 quotes for the replacement items and go with the cheapest to mitigate your loss which is your common law duty when making a claim. The third party insurer will probably agree 75-80% of the replacement cost on the basis that the kit you were wearing was used (even if for a short period of time). You should also seek representation for what sounds like a serious injury to your foot as you are entitled to claim for the injuries and loss of amenity. You are likely to be off work for some time and require care, all of which is claimable. Further you are entitled to receive private surgery if you want to at the third party insurer's expense. You do not have to undergo treatment on the NHS although in the initial stages this is often advisable.