The Confessions of an "Insurance Claims Inspector"

Our speaker for the 13th April was Eddie Hopkins who gave an interesting presentation, supported by slides, on the ramifications of car insurance and what happens after an accident.

Eddie is well known by the long serving members having been in the N&N IAM for many years both as a member and an observer. Having retired from the police he is now a self employed Claims Inspector. The talk was fairly wide ranging, covering Car Insurance companies and their changing profile over the years, through what to do when involved in an accident, and finally the results arising as a consequence.

Companies have both amalgamated and fragmented in many ways and as a result no longer employ investigators in house but operate through agents to engage the services of a Claims Inspectors. The prime function of these inspectors is to gather detailed evidence of accidents particularly where the claim is either substantial or suspicious. Interviews relating to such investigations are lengthy and can last anything up to two hours as the insurance company requires minute detail in order to evaluate a claim and minimize fraudulent claims.

What to do in accidents! Much of this is covered in your insurance company's handbook but particular emphasis was made on two areas, firstly "Never admit liability" and keep diary notes of the accident e.g. precise location, weather, road signs etc. and afterwards dates of hospital or GP visits or treatments all of which may be importance afterwards. A useful piece of advice was to accept the "Legal cover" element on your insurance policy; this entitles you to a lawyer in the event that one is required.

One interesting observation when viewing the many slides of scenes of accidents was that many of them could have been avoided if the driver had been an I.A.M. graduate and had developed the skills associated with that of a practicing advanced driver.

This was an interesting and informative presentation and much appreciated by the members who showed their appreciation in the usual way.

John Wallman