Still waiting for insurance money

I had the misfortune of being knocked off my motorcycle in November last year by an Italian driving an Italian registered car. The other driver admitted liability and stated so in writing on the warden's report.

My crash helmet, left boot and jacket were damaged in the accident, which local insurance did not cover, so I had to submit a claim for the damages through the local green card bureau.

It is now eight months since the accident and I have still not received any monies for the damaged items, nor any information or communication whatsoever as to what is happening regarding my claim. I fulfilled all the demands set by the bureau to settle the claim.

My point is, why does it take so long to settle and be constantly fed lame excuses by insurance companies and their representatives when it is a clear-cut case as to who was liable? I am sure that if the tables were turned and I owed the insurance company or their representatives any amount of money there would be a constant stream of harassing lawyers' letters demanding payment.

One excuse given was: "We have to confirm if the other driver had insurance cover." Are we not in the European Union nowadays and insurance documents are duly checked by the authorities on arrival?

I sometimes wonder if they are waiting for the first anniversary to effect payment or are perhaps hoping that with the passage of time I might forget the whole incident ever happened.