I'd like to applaud Serchers for his attitude on this one. It's great to see someone accepting that accidents happen and just getting on with their life. I can no longer see or hear a "No Win No Fee" advert without changing the channel immediately.

Sorry Yak and Aggers- you are decent men, but I agree with skershaw. Serchers' claim won't make that much difference to the premiums we pay- the 1 in 8 who drive uninsured cause that problem- and someone else drinking to his decision will be the driver who hit him.....

...in fact, the driver who hit him- depending on who he has engaged to defend him may well see if Serchers put in a claim- and then if he doesn't will then claim it was all Serchers' fault: that Serchers braked sharply and caused him to drive into the back of him, etc.

And then claim off Serchers for a new car and other compensation!

These are the sad times in which we live- attack is the best form of defence after all.

Make that claim, Serchers.

Your insurance company should sort any possible injury claims .
It's good to have another Alfa fan on this forum .
Which former Australian captain is an Alfisti ?

Thanks for the advice and thoughts everyone. Visited the doctor tonight and it is whiplash, so it's official and I don't feel so poncy. To claim or not to claim, that is the question. Meantime, the garage handling both cars called late pm and both are a write off Still can't flipping believe we can lose both cars in 24hrs.

As a novice on these matters (a) do we continue paying the standing orders to the insurance companies ? Technically, we have no car/s. (b) how likely is it that we'll be offered a proper market value and (c) what if their offer is poor, is there any way of negotiating this ?

And Sunbeam, as much as I love the car I have to say that it's true, bits do fall off and things go wrong ! My replacement car arrived this morning, a 2ltr fuel injected Golf with all the gizmos. OMG, what an awesome drive Got to work and texted the Mrs, all I sent was "I'm totally in love". She texted back "For a moment I hoped you meant me but I know it's that bloody car"

Serchers, not too sure what the situation is about your monthly instalments but I suggest you don't cancel them before the claim is settled by your insurer. You should get a fair market value offer for the cars based on their pre-accident conditon but there is no reason why you should not negotiate.

I am the last one to encourage frivolous claims for accidents but you have been injured by someone's reckless driving and should be compensated - that's what the law is for. Check if you have legal expenses cover on your policy (either motor or home insurance) and use it! Otherwise you will have to find a lawyer as your insurer will not pursue your injury claim for you. Assuming it's as clear cut as you say you should have no problem getting someone to take the case as your costs will be recoverable from the other driver's insurer (assuming he/she is insured).

Sorry to hear about this, Serchers.

Glad I don't drive!

Serchers, Go to Honest johns website. HE writes for the Saturday Telegraph and has a very good and comprehensive website.

If you are not happy with the offers they give you then you may have to go through the small claims court to get what you want.

Two things to check though.

Firstly what level of Write off are they because if they are both old cars, the damage may not be great but they are required to put them back to a higher condition that you would accept. If the damage is just to the doors say then it is about £30 to take the lining offf and hit it with a rubber mallet to repair it to a standard that you are happy with and you can pocket the difference, you would then need to get the car re mot'd.

Seconsdly you are entitled to be put back in the position you were, ie to be able to replcae the cars with a like for like so the value they try to give you will almost certainly be avaerage and if they are in exceptional condition then you may have to fight.

You have got my number haven't you? I am at work today and tomorrow but give me a shout if you want me to explain any of the above!!

Cheers xray. We went to the garage in Cheltenham to collect belongings from my car and the guy there told us that the cars would be assessed Tues for a valuation and that he's fairly happy that we'll get fair treatment from the guys doing the report. So now we start hunting for two cars which is a bit tricky.

I feel for you having to search for 2 cars - I just had to find one recently and that was hard enough work.

With regard the insurance policy, I think you can pause them - that way you're not paying for insurance that you aren't using but

a) you still have a relationship with them so they'll still be keen to help you out
b) you won't have to pay a cancellation fee
c) When you get the new car, you can move the remaining time on the policy over (assuming you are still getting the best deal from them, for the new car)

Give them a call and see what they say.

The other thing is that if you cancel the policy I am not sure you will be insured to drive the loan cars!