A DRIVER whose car was damaged during a police car chase in Toothill has been told his insurance company will pay his £200 excess as a ‘gesture of goodwill’- despite him not having cover against uninsured losses.

A silver Peugeot 206 was stopped in Conisborough, after it hit the kerb and collided with another car parked red Suzuki SX4 belonging to resident Ian Pearce shortly after midday on Thursday.

Ian claimed Swinton Insurance refused to pay a £200 excess because the driver of the other vehicle was uninsured, despite believing he had an additional policy in place to cover uninsured losses.

Swinton Insurance said although they will pay the £200 excess, Mr Pearce’s legal protection policy did not in fact cover against uninsured losses as it was subject to a ‘reasonable prospect of recovery from the third party insurer.’

A Swinton spokesperson said: "The repair costs to Mr Pearce’s car are covered by his standard motor insurance policy. In addition, Mr Pearce has a Driver’s Legal Protection policy with Swinton Insurance, which covers legal costs and recovery of expenses that customers may incur following a non-fault accident, beyond that which is covered by his existing Motor insurance policy.

"Any claims made against a Drivers Legal Protection policy are subject to a reasonable prospect of recovery from the third party insurer and this is stated in the terms and conditions of the policy. As the driver who hit Mr Pearce's vehicle did not have insurance, it is not possible for Swinton to do this.

"Our Customer Assistance team has contacted Mr Pearce and offered to reimburse his £200 excess as a gesture of goodwill and Mr Pearce has accepted this."

Ian said: “I was with Swinton for more than 10 years and when I bought that policy I was given no reason to believe it didn’t cover me against uninsured losses. It specifically says they will pay repair costs and excess charges in a no-fault accident which this was," he said.

“All it says on my policy is that you have to have had the accident in the British Isles and not using the car as a taxi, things like that. It is only in the small print that it says the other driver must have insurance. Although I am relieved I don’t have to pay £200, I am now looking for another insurer.”

Wiltshire Police confirmed a man was arrested in a garden in the area after a short chase by officers.

A 21-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.