Should I go through car insurance or not?

Damaged someones P reg ford escort bumper yesterday, my fault, they have said they will accept £75 cash for repair?

Sould I go through insurance and pay nothing now?

Have over 5 years no claim discount, protected, and paying under £300 now

Can I expect my insurance to go up (9 months from now) more then £75 next year for an accident like this?

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 178,090 Community Admin
    Photogenic Name Dropper First Post
    If it's protected then the claim will not affect it and the only rise will be the normal annual hike.

    However what is your excess? If it is over £75 then settle for paying the £75 to the other owner.
  • was thinking along lines of paying myself too

    just to confirm.... if I am NOT claiming for damage to my car, then their wouldn't be any excess to pay would there if I went down insurance route?
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 29,605 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    I'd pay the £75 and ask for a note saying that is it, no further claims will be made
    The words you want are "full and final settlement".
    then their wouldn't be any excess to pay would there if I went down insurance route?

    Yes, I believe there is no excess payable on a 3rd party claim.

    Al Mac is right in post #3. Protected NCD means your DISCOUNT is protected.
    Your premium can still be loaded if you make a claim.

    Personally I would pay out of my own pocket BUT make sure you are protected i.e. write a letter yourself stating that this is in full and final settlement for the damage caused by the accident on date xx/xx/xx with vehicle registration Lnnn LLL and get them to sign it.
    This should prevent futher claims.
    If you don't do this there is nothing to stop them asking for more money at a later date.
  • PauliPauli wrote: »
    Damaged someones P reg ford escort bumper yesterday, my fault, they have said they will accept £75 cash for repair?

    Sould I go through insurance and pay nothing now?

    Have over 5 years no claim discount, protected, and paying under £300 now

    Can I expect my insurance to go up (9 months from now) more then £75 next year for an accident like this?


    Remember legally, if you've had an 'accident' you should really let your insurance company know....personally if '£75' makes it 'go away' I'd be inclined to pay.
  • You are meant to inform your insurer, but they will then put in down as a non fault claim even if you settle yourself. Even this can load the premium.

    I would highly recommend you pay it yourself. With a fault claim, you will probably have to pay at least £30-£50 more next renewal and again for the next couple of years as claims usually stay on record for 3 years at least, and 5 with some underwriters.

    Plus insurers are more willing to give bigger intro discounts when moving insurers if you have a totally clear driving history
  • welshdeedee
    welshdeedee Posts: 27,496 Forumite
    Combo Breaker First Post
    very interesting, thank you!!
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