boxst

Hello

I just had an accident in my wifes car. The insurance company is very relaxed about the whole thing, but I would like some advice about fault / claims.

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Description:

I was coming round a gentle corner where there are some roadworks, when a van was on my side of the road. I swerved to miss it, but caught the tail end. There is not much damage, some scratches to my bumper and the other car. There were no witnesses

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According to a friend of mine, this is my fault as I hit them irrespctive of the fact that he hadn't pulled in from the traffic lights.

Is that true?

Thanks,

Steve.

Da Booga

My personal gut feeling is a 50:50 claim from what you've described

pugoetru

your insurance co will decide who is to blame not you probably 50/50

boxst

Hello

Thanks for your replies.

So if it's 50/50 (sadly), and I don't claim, then have I had a claim at all? With respect to No-Claims bonus?

Thanks,

Steve.

Markus

Steve,
If you don't put in a claim, then you've not made a claim. Depends what you have already said to the insurance company.

when I had to put the car into a hedge due to some idiot pulling out in front of me I never even phoned the insurance company, a) I knew it'd take ages to sort out, b) I'd never have been able to pay the premium hike that would have occured, so I just, eventually, repaired the damge myself, well, using a garage, you know what I mean.

boxst

Markus:

Well, the other person is contacting their insurance company? So I have informed mine as well. But if it comes out at 50/50, I will not get the damage repaired through the insurance company, as I have a £150 excess anyway.

So, does that mean I haven't claimed? Sorry to be stupid...

Steve.

unclebuck

My advice in something this minor is to not claim. Both you and the other party will end up losers with increased premiums screwed no claims etc in a 'knock for knock'. The winner is the insurance company. What did the other party say? If they insist on going though insurance, make it clear the the insurance that you will not accept 50/50 liability as it was 'clearly' the other party's fault.

I did this in a similar situation and won the case, thus protecting my NCB. I also rear ended a 60K Jag one evening No major damage, but potentially very expensive. We agreed not to claim as his insurance was already so expensive (group 23) and he had been stung after a previous minor claim. I offered to contribute to his repair costs, but never heard any more about it.

Moral - it pays to talk.

UB



[Edited by unclebuck - 12/23/2003 8:22:19 PM]

NotoriousREV

Just remember, just because you don't claim doesn't mean you can say "no" when they ask if you've had any accidents in the last 5 years come renewal time.

TopBanana

You could both agree to pay for your own repairs? Do you have his phone number? I've done this before when someone sideswiped me on a roundabout - would have probably come out 50/50 and I need my NCB

boxst

Hello

Result. Spoke to the person -- no claim.

Steve.

unclebuck

Good man.

Merry Christmas.

UB

NotoriousREV

My advice above still stands, especially as you've informed them of the accident even though your not claiming.

boxst

Notorious:

Thanks for the advice, but doesn't the conversation go like this:

"I have had one accident"

"What damage and how much?"

"None"

"Oh, okay...".

So I don't see the point?

Steve.

SiDHEaD

If you've reported the accident to your insurance, you're fecked. They will hike your premium, regardless of damage, cos they are *****. If you haven't reported it, no accident happened!

Andy

NotoriousREV

But there was damage which did/will cost to repair. You have already informed your insurance company of the accident so you're knackered either way.

Come renewal time you'll either have to admit the accident or be technically uninsured.

Never, ever tell your insurance company unless you 100% intend to claim. For the problems it'll cause you, you're better off claiming now, at least the repairs will cost nothing.

Scooby96

Steve,

Sorry to hear about the accident, hope you're ok - thats the main thing. I would be upfront with the ins co as he could claim from you - might even claim he has whiplash!

I'd get the ins co to pay for the repairs and they're gonna shaft you come renewal time.

Chris

damian666

I wouldn't not declare an accident - thats the kind of thing that invalidates policies!

Very illegal practice indeed.

Where is NACRO when ya need him?