Claim with an unidentified third party: what to do?
A claim with an unidentified third party is a claim that requires specific formalities to be compensated. Indeed, unlike “classic” insurance declarations, you will be the only one to detail the damage suffered. The Matmut explains everything there is to know on the subject!
What is a claim with an unidentified third party?
A loss with an unidentified third party, sometimes abbreviated as "loss with a TNI", is an accident that has occurred, as its name suggests, with a person whose identity we do not have. The expression thus concerns, in particular:
- hit and run offenses, without possible identification of the responsible driver;
- claims caused in the absence of the owner of the vehicle (at night for example), on the public highway, for which the person responsible has not left his contact details.
Collisions with a wild animal or a stray domestic animal whose owner remains unidentified also fall into the category of claims with an unidentified third party. In short, the latter includes all cases of accidents and incidents for which it is not possible to complete a report!
When is the claim with an unidentified third party covered?
The assumption by insurers of a claim with an unidentified third party depends on the guarantees present in the contract that has been taken out. In the case of all-risk guarantees, the amount of the deductible will remain payable. In the absence of such guarantees, the assumption of damages will depend on the possibilities of recourse against the author(s).
A deductible may be applied in the event of a claim with an unidentified third party. It can be calculated in different ways:
- It can be a fixed sum, depending on the type of damage;
- A percentage of the amount of compensation may remain the responsibility of the insured;
- A combination of the two methods can be used, with a percentage of the amount of the repairs to which a ceiling, in euros, is applied (for example, 10% of the compensation within the limit of €200).
What are the steps to take?
In all cases, in the event of a claim with an unidentified third party, it is advisable to complete an amicable report or complete a declaration with the detailed circumstances of the claim. Yes, even if it is only possible, by definition, to fill in only part of it!
This document should be sent to your insurance within five working days. In the statement, it will thus be necessary to state his identity, specify the characteristics of his vehicle, indicate the number of his insurance policy, and detail, as much as possible, the damage suffered as well as the contact details of any witnesses.
Read also: Joint report: everything you need to know
The consequences of a disaster with a TNI
After a claim with an unidentified third party, it is possible to have a penalty applied by your insurer. This is not systematic: for this to be the case, proof of the total liability of the third party must be provided in order to be exonerated.
In this case, the insurer will consider that the insured who reports the claim is solely responsible for it unless he again provides proof of the total liability of the third party. And modify, accordingly, the bonus-malus coefficient of the car insurance contract.
The importance of collecting testimonials
Have you suffered a claim with an unidentified third party? Whether you had a road accident that ended in a hit-and-run or found your windshield shattered in the early morning, don't panic. By adopting a few good reflexes, you will increase the chances of seeing the appeal succeed. In all risks, the exercise of the recourse will relate to the amount of the deductible and to the third party, the recourse will relate to all of the damage suffered.
First, take pictures. In the event of a collision with a wild animal, notify the authorities as well, and keep some evidence (hair of the animal, etc.). Go to the police station to file a complaint. Complete the report and send it to your insurer.
In all cases, collect as many testimonies as possible (neighbors, passers-by, direct witnesses, people involved - for example, those injured in the driver's flight). Do not forget to write down the surnames, first names and telephone numbers of the witnesses: check that they will agree to be contacted, if necessary, by your insurer.
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