Hi my cars been written off after 3 weeks of no contact with DL. Directline just told me the policy doesn’t include cover for ongoing hire car. You have 4 weeks to order a new car, plus 3 months of hire car After 3 months you’re on your own and your pip is returned until your car arrives. Am I the only one who thinks this is unacceptable? Seriously the amount of money they take and make them knowing there’s a huge car shortage problem they give you 3 months to get a new one. 4 weeks I highly doubt is long enough if you’re applying for a grant too
Apart from ther lack of contact from Direct Line, against market norms it is pretty good actually, particularly if it is deemed an ‘at fault’ claim which has caused the write off. It applies the same if you were privately insured with a private vehicle. Infact it could be worse in that case as there may be outstanding finance on the private vehicle in excess of the insurance write off value (unless one had taken out and paid for GAP insurance). At least with Motability you are spared that. Also, some insurers only permit you 28 days car hire nowadays. Motability/manufacturers/dealers are simply not in any position to ‘magic’ a vehicle to meet your needs/wants (without queue jumping that others waiting patiently probably wouldn’t find acceptable). There are however some vehicles sometimes available at relatively short notice on the scheme. Either telephone dealers or sign up to one/more of the Motability related Facebook groups where dealers often advertise short delivery/stock vehicles available to Motability customers. Okay, you may have to travel a bit to get one and not get the exact vehicle/colour/trim you may like/want, but at least you will be mobile on the scheme somewhat quicker. If you want a specific vehicle/trim/colour you may just have to wait and utilise your returned allowance for mobility needs (taxis or buy a very cheap run-around etc) in the interim. Basically, you are in no worse state that any other driver in the same position. Infact probably a better position. Any AP you paid would be returned pro-rata. You are free to start again with the scheme (unless you have prior history of claims where Motability’s insurer could decline you) but you will pay no higher premium, unlike other motorists. You can ask for a grant (which yes, may slow things down a bit sadly, but it is what it is). Overall, sometimes in life, crap situations occur. No one, not even Motability can mitigate against it, particularly with the car industry still recovering from the doldrums after the pandemic.
For what its worth while upsetting I agree!