Yaser Dirki set up stall outside the Group One BMW on Victoria Road, in Portslade, on Thursday, May 22.
The 53 year old has been returning everyday since then to chat with by-passers and share his story.
Yaser claimed that despite having fully comprehensive insurance through BMW Flex insurance (underwritten by Broker Direct), BMW were refusing to repair his car after it was damaged in a crash.
He said: “They should be repairing my car or giving me a courtesy. I’ve paid for this, the car insurance is not free.
“This whole situation is causing me unnecessary mental harm. I said to BMW if they didn’t sort the issue I would protest, so that’s what I did.”
Yaser sharing his story with by-passers (Image: Supplied) Mr Dirki’s car was involved in a collision, which he reported to police. Sussex Police have said that an investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing.
Following this, Mr Dirki contacted his insurance company to set up a claim, but he argued that they had not been treating his claim fairly.
He is now calling for the end of “rip off insurance”, hoping his story will inspire others to stand up to insurance companies.
He explained the impact the situation has had on his family.
“I bought the BMW on finance as a treat for my daughter and wife, and myself. I pay for it monthly. This whole thing has been so distressing, I haven’t been able to sleep”, he said.
Mr Dirki has been travelling via bus with his table. He uses this to display a range of signs calling for BMW to recognise his claim.
Yaser said: “I don’t wish this situation on anyone else. What do these insurance companies do with all this money? This is a time when we need them the most.
“My wife and I work very hard to pay for this car and the insurance, and now we can’t even hire a car. I don’t have the extra money; we are having to use the bus.
“I don’t want money, I want the insurance to repair my car. It’s a big frustration. I have full comprehensive insurance. I’ve done all the right things and now I’m being punished.”
Yaser Dirki (Image: Supplied) Since setting up outside the dealership, Yaser has been speaking with passers-by and even contacted his local MP to raise awareness of his issue.
Following his nearly two week protest and with the help of The Argus, BMW have confirmed that they have decided to pay his claim.
A spokesperson for BMW Insurance said: “Car insurance provides cover for a range of risks including thefts, vandalism and accidents. However, it is important to remember that exclusions apply and claims can be declined if, for example, a car is involved in an accident when driven by someone not named on the policy.”
The spokesperson said after the car was in a collision although police attended, the policy holder declined to press charges.
They said the car insurance policy does not provide cover for loss or damage in certain circumstances including as a result of theft of or the unauthorised taking of your car unless you report them to the police for taking your car without your consent.”
“Under normal circumstances, the policyholder’s decision to not report the incident to police would result in the claim being declined. However, our claims specialists and underwriters have conducted a thorough review of this case and decided to pay this claim,” they added.
Mr Dirki thanked the people of Portslade for their support.
He said: “The people of Portslade have been amazing. They’ve been so kind and generous. Some brought me coffee and even offered to lend me a car.
“I had to stand here to make my voice heard. My matter might be finished but the campaign should go on.”
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