Claimfast causes confusion by suggesting victim pays car hire costs

Our vehicle was in a car park at North Manchester General Hospital when it was struck by another car reversing into the next bay, causing damage along its full length. The driver of the other vehicle admitted liability and, while our car was being repaired through his insurer, we were provided with a hire car through ours, the AA. This was done via Claimfast, described by the AA as "one of our in-house companies". The accident happened in June last year. We have now received correspondence from Claimfast stating that the other party's insurer has not paid the cost of the car hire and that we might have to attend court if it takes proceedings against the other driver. Most worrying of all is that Claimfast says we will be liable for the hire cost if we do not co-operate. We find it hard to believe that the other party's insurer, having agreed to fund repairs running into thousands of pounds, now quibbles over car hire costing less than £200. JMcB, Rossendale, Lancashire The AA, responding on behalf of Claimfast, quickly reassured you that you will not have to pay for anything and you never would have done. We don't know why the insurer hasn't paid up but suing the other driver for the cost of car hire is the very last resort, says the AA, and Claimfast would first need your agreement. Even if it had come to that, Claimfast would pay any charges if you lost the claim. You can email Margaret Dibben at [email protected] Margaret Dibben or write to Margaret Dibben, Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include a phone number.