An ABI spokesperson said:
“Insurers continue to do all they can to help their customers affected by the fire at Luton Airport. We’ve worked with the airport and fellow industry body the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to obtain and share the number plates of the vehicles in the car park, and our members are in contact with their customers. They’re doing all they can to pay any claims as quickly as possible.
“Many insurers have been covering the costs of their customers’ journeys home from the airport, and some have also said they will waive policy excesses or that claims from the fire will not impact no claims discounts. If you have been affected by the fire, speak to your insurer to see what support is available.
“We’re working with Luton Airport and salvage operators on the ground to determine next steps, including whether it will be possible to recover any personal belongings. The car park has suffered extensive damage and it remains the case that no one will be able to enter the building unless it has been deemed safe. We appreciate that the uncertainty may be frustrating and we continue to work with Luton Airport, the MIB, and salvage operators to understand the situation, prioritising safety at all times, and to make sure customers are updated in a timely manner.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my car is in the car park?
- If your car is in the car park, you should notify your motor insurer. Insurers should now have access to most of the number plates of the vehicles that were in the car park and can advise whether your vehicle has been affected.
- The fire service and authorities are working to ascertain the extent of this damage, and to determine at what point it will be safe to enter the car park.
What processes do insurers have in place to determine whether my car has been damaged or if it can be recovered?
- We and our members are working with Luton Airport, the car park operator and vehicle recovery specialists to ascertain, as quickly as possible, whether customers cars have been affected.
- We have worked with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to get the number plates of the vehicles in the car park and have shared these with our members, who are contacting customers as quickly as possible. If you suspect that your vehicle may have been damaged in the fire, speak to your insurer to see what support is available.
- The safety of all involved is paramount. Insurers are working with the appropriate teams to determine if / when it will be possible to access the vehicles and assess damage.
My car is in the car park but may not have been damaged, what will my insurance cover?
- Insurers are working with Luton Airport, the car park operator and vehicle recovery specialists to understand which vehicles can be recovered.
- If your car is in the car park, speak to your insurer who can advise on what options are available.
Will I get a courtesy car while mine is stuck or while my claim is being resolved?
- The offer of a courtesy car is a standard feature in most comprehensive car insurance policies and are subject to availability.
- Following the fire at the car park at Luton Airport, some insurers are offering a courtesy car even if they are not included in your policy. Speak to your insurer and they can advise which options are available.
- It is standard that courtesy cars are only provided when a vehicle can be repaired, not when they are written off or a total loss. However, some insurers will offer optional add-ons which can be used to request a courtesy car if your car is written off or stolen.
How long will it take to assess the damage on my car?
- The car park has been structurally damaged so ensuring it is safe to access is rightly the first priority.
- It may take some time before vehicles can be accessed, assessed and/or recovered. Once the car park is safe to enter, insurers will do all they can to inspect the damage on any cars as quickly as possible.
Will the possessions in my car be covered?
- Motor policies may offer some cover for possessions that have been damaged or destroyed in the vehicle, so check your policy for any cover and limits.
- It’s also worth being aware that your home contents policy may cover this as well. But you cannot claim twice under both policies.
- The car park has suffered extensive damage and engineers are currently conducting a structural assessment. Unless this building is deemed safe, it will not be possible for anyone to enter the building to assess the damage to vehicles or for individuals to retrieve personal belongings.
Will an insurer cover my costs for travelling home from the airport?
- Some policies may cover the cost of travelling home. We would advise that you check with your insurer.
If I have to claim on my insurance for this fire – what will happen to my no claims discount / will my insurance premium go up?
- Some insurers have said that a claim for damage as a result of the fire at the car park at Luton Airport will not impact customers’ no claims discount.
- We would recommend that you speak to your insurer to understand the impact of a claim.
- Under normal circumstances a no claim discount would be impacted by any claim.
Further advice on the situation at the car park is also available on Luton Airport and APCOA’s websites.