How Much Time Do You Have to Claim an Insurance Top-Up? Deadlines Your Insurer Won’t Mention
Many drivers assume that once a payout has been made, the case is closed. That’s one of the costliest myths out there – in reality, you usually have far more time than…
Many drivers assume that once a payout has been made, the case is closed. That’s one of the costliest myths out there – in reality, you usually have far more time than you’d think.
The standard deadline: 3 years
A claim for a top-up to an OC payout generally expires 3 years from the date you learned about the damage and who was liable for it – typically, the date of the insurer’s decision.
Exception: damage resulting from a crime
If the accident had the hallmarks of a crime (for example, the at-fault driver was intoxicated or fled the scene), the statute of limitations extends to as much as 20 years. That means even old cases may still qualify for a top-up.
Important: accepting a payout doesn’t close your case
This is the key distinction:
Receiving a payout doesn’t waive your right to pursue a top-up. You can revisit the case within the statute of limitations.
Signing a settlement agreement usually closes the case permanently. That’s why, before signing any settlement document from an insurer, it’s worth checking whether the proposed amount actually matches real repair costs.
If you’re not sure whether you signed a settlement or just accepted a bank transfer – that’s the first thing worth clarifying.
Why it’s still worth acting sooner rather than waiting until the deadline
It’s easier to gather evidence – photos, witnesses, documentation – while the case is still fresh.
The workshop that repaired your car can more easily confirm the actual cost estimate shortly after the accident.
The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to reconstruct the full extent of the damage, especially if the car has since been sold or repaired further.
How to check if your case still qualifies
You just need two things: the date of the accident, and whether you signed any settlement agreement with the insurer. That’s enough for an initial assessment of whether there’s still room to act.
How RemZone helps
We take on cases even several years old – we check for free whether your case still falls within the deadline and whether it’s worth pursuing at all. If it is, we pay out the top-up right away, and take on all the formalities with the insurer ourselves.
FAQ
My accident happened 2 years ago – is it worth pursuing? Yes, you’re well within the standard 3-year deadline.
What if more than 3 years have passed? Then we check whether the accident had any hallmarks of a crime (e.g., an intoxicated at-fault driver) – in which case the deadline is much longer.
I signed something from the insurer but don’t remember what. That’s normal – send it to us and we’ll check whether it was a standard payout or a settlement that closes the case.
Not sure if your old case still qualifies for a top-up? Message us on WhatsApp – we’ll check for free, no obligations.
