Car accident compensation hounds

[Lighttouch]

This afternoon I was collared by a salesperson who knew all the details of a non-fault car accident I had two years ago and offering a cheque up front for £2000v at no cost to yself!

Intrigued I said carry on - could help fund the new wheelchair.

I then had a succession of phone calls from different specialists confirming details. It now seems they want to take on my case. Next a medical and small amount of paperwork.

Their sales pitch . . . you're not at fault. The other parties insurance company put aside £2000 for any injury claim. If it's not claimed the bosses can have it as a bonus!

Although it's no fee and the other company has admitted liability the company representing me take 25% of the compensation.

Not a lot I need to do as I still have digital copies of all the paperwork.

I'll keep you posted as to how the system works as it seems like insurance companies are being stitched up by sharp suited characters who know the law inside out and prep the clients as to what to say - interesting scam - sorry business!

[AmyS]

I get these phone calls a couple of times a week, I let them talk and talk and hey presto - I've never had an accident. That's when they put the phone down on me lol. In fact I had one yesterday afternoon - knew my name etc. Ummm?

Best one yet - I see from your post code you are in an area with Asbestos in the roof. Really - keep talking - eventually they finish. They don't know my name or even my post code - ummm I'd love someone to come out and investigate - I live on the ground floor of a block of flats and extremely concerned about the asbestos in 'my roof'. Again the phone goes down.

[vantage]

I get phone calls from people like this. I did have a significant accident several years ago, totally not at fault (backed up by police witnesses etc). Well my lawyer conducted a claim at the time. However, I still get the calls.

A word of warning, and not every company is the same, but such things as minimum fees can apply. So if they claim is not as successful they'll take all monies in fees, or even worse you have to pay. Some enter in to a loan type agreement, their costs being the loan and you pay it back.

Remember these companies are acting for themselves, you aren't a true client, just an ends to a means. Unless the accident caused significant injury at the time how will a medical prove anything two years later? Is there a fee for the medical?

Sorry to be negative but I don't trust these type of companies at all.

[beau]

I often get them about PPI, I too let them rabbit on then inform them I have never had a loan in my life.
Same with no fault accidents, in the end I tell them it would be a miracle because I don't drive.

The best one was someone trying to promote hearing aids. I kept saying pardon I didn't hear that until they hung up. Can't help egging them on sometimes.

[nukecad]

I've been getting quite a few 'phishing' (pronounced fishing) emails this last week.

Ostensibly from your bank asking you to confirm your details for a security check.
I have had them saying the're from Lloyds, Barclays, Santandair and Nat West.
All were sent from the same email address "office@corwindental.com"

Guess how many of these banks I do not have even an account with? ROFL.

Don't reply to anything like this, the banks DO NOT do this.
Delete them immediatley.
Better still forward them to the banks fraud investigation line. You can find the address online.

PS
If you look at the addresses it was sent to you will see variations of your name at various email servers.
Thats why its called phishing - they are casting a net of possible names and email addresses, fishing for the one that may be actually in use.

[AmyS]

I've been getting quite a few 'phishing' (pronounced fishing) emails this last week.

Ostensibly from your bank asking you to confirm your details for a security check.
I have had them saying the're from Lloyds, Barclays, Santandair and Nat West.
All were sent from the same email address "office@corwindental.com"

Guess how many of these banks I do not have even an account with? ROFL.

Don't reply to anything like this, the banks DO NOT do this.
Delete them immediatley.
Better still forward them to the banks fraud investigation line. You can find the address online.

PS
If you look at the addresses it was sent to you will see variations of your name at various email servers.
Thats why its called phishing - they are casting a net of possible names and email addresses, fishing for the one that may be actually in use.

I use the button - junk - has a phishing button too. So always use that button to remove the 'offending' email.

[Lighttouch]

Some new things I learnt about the compensation hounds.

The first solicitor I spoke to doesn't take any dormant cases over 18 months old.

I was found a new solicitor after I recited details about the incident.

So now we are moving to Stage Two

Stage Two - the Solicitor

Someone phoned to say a particular solicitor's practice wants to take my case forward. By now he has been briefed about the case.

The new solicitor phoned me and asked if I will supply

1 My NI number - they need this to troll databases to see if I am a seasoned compensation grabber - I agree.
2 They want the third party details - I still have all the digital details
3 They know that I got my excess and taxi fares reimbersed
4 They want to know if I have free Legal Services attached to house or house contents insurance. I do. So they now tell me that I can keep the normal 25% commission deducted from any compensation as they can claim it back from another solicitor!!

It sounds like anybody is allowed to screw anyone in their own business. Sharks eating sharks. AI'm so pleased that I had a creative job when aAI worked. It hurt nobody and I felt good about myself at the end of the working day.

[vantage]

LT, I work for an insurance company. Not in any claim settlement capacity,nor is it in motor insurance. I have however been involved in counter fraud, and have spoken at international conferences on the subject.

In my experience a National Insurance number is not a method of identifying claims, it is rarely, if ever collected, or I'd be suspicious if somebody asked me for it. A simple name and address check, coupled with date of birth, and if relevant driving licence reference number, would be sufficient.

I'm not a legal expert but what relevance is the house insurance legal cover? When I had my accident the other parties wanted to settle the case as a household insurance claim. We were both miles from home at the time. My lawyer stated, much to my surprise, that yes they would settle but I'd not be able claim excess, costs etc. Its a bit of a con trick.

If you have a legitimate claim then you should get just compensation, but if not, well somebody else will pay. It's one of the reasons why insurance costs, especially motor, have increased so much over the years.

[Lighttouch]

They want the NI number to check on me to ensure I'm not a serial compensation claims chaser. Those aren't his words but my interpretation of what he told me. He asked my permission and I've said fine.

I phoned Fish Insurance to see if I had free Legal Cover which I have, yet the broker seemed puzzled as to how legal fees could be palmed off onto them.

Remember I'm just the messenger and it's at the beginning of the process. I am amazed as to how many companies contacted me within 5 minutes of the initial call - a bit like vultures!

[nukecad]

I am amazed as to how many companies contacted me within 5 minutes of the initial call - a bit like vultures!

Expect loads more of junk mail and phone calls.

You have now been added to a list as a 'responding/interacting punter'.

These lists get sold about between the claim companies, and as you have responded your name and contact details are now worth more than if you had not.