Visit JCPCUKSC/2022/0100
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BUSINESS, PROPERTY, WILLS, AND TRUSTS
Armstead (Appellant) v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company Ltd (Respondent)
Case summary
Case ID
UKSC/2022/0100
Parties
Appellant(s)
Lorna Armstead
Respondent(s)
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Co Ltd
Issue
Where the hirer of a car contractually agrees to pay the car hire company a sum for loss of use if the hire car is damaged during the hire period, and the hire car is then damaged due to the negligent driving of a third party, can the hirer recover that contractual liability from the negligent driver (or their insurer)?
Facts
Lorna Armstead ('LA') hired a car from Helphire Ltd ('Helphire'). LA signed Helphire's standard hire contract, confirming that (a) she would pay Helphire for any damage to the vehicle and (b) she would pay Helphire a daily rate for any loss of use of the vehicle if it was unavailable to Helphire because it was damaged.LA was in a car accident whilst driving the hired car. The accident was caused by the negligent driving of a third party who was insured by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company Ltd ('RSA'). The hired car required repairs, for which LA paid. Helphire subsequently requested that LA pay £1,560 for the loss of use of the hired car while it was being repaired. LA brought a claim against RSA for both sums. In the three courts below, LA's claim for £1,560 sum was dismissed.
Date of issue
24 May 2022
Judgment appealed
Judgment details
Judgment date
14 February 2024
Neutral citation
[2024] UKSC 6
Judgment links
Judgment summary
14 February 2024
Appeal
Justices
Hearing dates
Start date
23 November 2023
End date
23 November 2023
Watch hearings
23 November 2023 - Morning session
23 November 2023 - Afternoon session
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Last updated 16 April 2024