Direct Line 3rd party claims dept. are very good at sucking the will out of people.
When I was hit by a pizza delivery guy I phoned Direct Line saying I would want to be claim for some bent forks and maybe 3 remedial massage sessions (as I bruised the heck out of my shoulder/pectorial) – so maybe £400ish.
No problems they said but then dragged it out for months – and many phone calls to numerous people as my case was passed round – saying that they couldn’t establish liability (the pizza guy had been canned and was never going to fill out their form – plus he was Russian…) so I phoned
http://bikeline.co.uk/index.htm
who are a no-win no-fee setup specialising in cycle accidents.
The solicitor seemed pretty clued up about bike accidents – said that it is usual for them to drag heels.
So he sent a letter to Direct Line informing them of the action – they admitted liability within the 3 weeks as otherwise it will be more expensive for them if they lose, and then offered £1k off the bat for medical to close the issue before an inspection by a doctor.
As they messed me around and my shoulder still has a bump on it after 4 months, and on his recommendation, I am letting the action run just to inconvenience the half-wits at Direct Line.
They could have setting for around £400ish, but now the solicitor fees will push this up a lot.
Note that the solicitor will check that your home insurance covers legal in case they lose, or otherwise take out a separate policy – the cost of which will be covered even if you lose by the policy itself. Hence the no win-no fee.