There are now 4 threads in relation to this same subject and it is beginning to become a tirade rather than seeking advice and help.

You have already highlighted that approaching your MP may be the best route forward for you. Can I suggest you follow that route and leave the forums to prople who are seeking genuine advice and not persistsing in pressing their own personal mission.

I have been a customer of Marks and Spencer ( car insurance ) for many years. I have relied on their reputation and recommendations
in relation to my compulsory car insurance. So much so l have always had the maximum insurance and all the trimmings i.e No claims protected bonus, legal protection and fully comprehensive cover. Well, way back in July l was involved in my first claim in many years, MY CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN STRUCK BY THE 'OTHER PARTY'.

Here we go..... I telephone M&S to ask for a claim form, M&S say, " What you have to do is telephone the insurance company"
I said, " What is it that you do?" " Oh we sell the adds ons and collect your premium " IN OTHER WORDS THEY GET THE COMMISSION AND ACT AS CASHIER. They then spent almost 40 minutes( on their 0844 No ) aggressively trying to convince to have a hire car whilst mine is repaired. THEY ARE VERY CONVINCING THAT THERE WILL BE NO COST TO ME. I read through my insurance documents ( THE ONES THAT M&S ARRANGED AND SENT ) It clearly states that l should only use a courtesy car if supplied by the repairer A HIRE CAR WOULD BE AT MY OWN COST !!!!!!!!

At this stage l am getting concerned about how l am being 'treated', There is more to follow.......

I contact the insurance company recommended by M&S ( remember they sold it to me and they got the commission ), The insurance is now named AGEAS ( Formerly FORTIS ) but still a company originating from Belgium. Well they sent me a claim form which l duly completed and returned along with a number of supportive photographs. NOTHING IS HEARD FROM AGEAS. l have to presume they have received all that l sent !!!!! Weeks go by and l feel obliged to 'chace them up' It is on MY CALL that AGEAS condescend to tell me " the other party contest your version of events", No problem l say, the damage on my vehicle and your own repairers report will confirm a lot. I leave it in their hands... WEEKS GO BY AGAIN.... again it is l that contact AGEAS,
I tell them that l have had no contact or documentation from them and l am now getting very concerned, as l had done everything required of me, sent additional photographs, used their appointed repairer and paid my excess before they would return my car.

I ask the young lady at AGEAS about the 'others parties' version as l may be able to support it or disprove it, remember this is weeks after the event. I ask who the other party is insured with and AGEAS tell me it is Tesco.and they have sent for a copy of the report. MORE WEEKS GO BY......... Remember this accident was in July.

I make my own enquiries and find that the other party is also insured with AGEAS ????? Not Tesco as they told me.

Then in September a telephone call from AGEAS.... This young lady tells me that they have assessed my accident and decided it was a 50/50 fault situation. COMPLETE RUBBISH. I asked the degree of their investigation and whether my photographs had been seen by an investigator or if their own repairer had submitted a report VERY BASIC, SCHOOLBOY TYPE ENQUIRIES.
The young ladies tone changes to basically well thats all we're offering.

I tell her that l will not accept responsibility for a no blame accident corroborated by my vehicle being stationary at the time etc
I then say that l am suspicious that the 50/50 offer is very simplistic and that l have never been advised of 'the other parties version'
and was misled as to who the other insurer was . Is this a simple solution that suits AGEAS as they get funds from both parties.

I contact good old Marks and Spencer and tell them of my woo, remember my legal protection and no claims protected bonus ???

Meanwhile l research AGEAS and visit the insurance ombudsman official web page under the complaints data for 2011
(thats this year !!!!! ) Guess who is already leading the field with hundreds of logged complaints this year so far....
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Now why would Marks and Spencer support and recommend this company, their record is appalling and their customer service non existent.

I ask Marks and Spencer to help..... remember their enthusiasm with the hire car ?????? I known not to reply on telephone calls so l send a letter to their customer service department, a few days later l get a phone call, ( So they have my address and telephone numbers ) I tell a very listening ear my concerns and the fact that nothing has come from Marks and Spencer despite all my cover. Not to worry l'm told, things will start moving ( July to September was obviously too short a time ) they agree to recontact in 2 weeks time for a progress report......... GUESS WHAT we're now well into October and they haven't managed to phone back yet ( Guess they have too many complaints ).

So the moral of this factual experience is AVOID AGEAS and have NO CONFIDENCE IN MARKS AND SPENCER

I have been in this situation for 4 months now........ The big boys have had their money, l have had to fork out my own money and do my own enquiries and admin,

IS THERE ANY WONDER WHY 1.5 MILLION DRIVERS NOW DECIDE NOT TO INSURE THEIR CARS
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The integrity of the insurance industry is now a matter of concern so much so l understand Jack STRAW is leading an enquiry into the insurance industry......... LONG OVERDUE AND VERY NECESSARY WELL DONE JACK, get in touch.