Car accident - no damage - affect on no claims?

Robbiej_2

Hi,

I had an accident in my car last night. I moved forward at a roundabout and rolled into the car infront. Speed was about 2mph (no accelorator, just using clutch) and there was no damage to my or his car (although a rear bumpr came loose, he clipped it back in while we were there).

We exchanged details and he said he would call his insurer.

I called mine this morning to inform them. They said I wouldn't have to pay anything, but I would loose 2 years no claims.

Is this right? Even if he doesn't make a claim (which I doubt he will as there is no damage)? Surely if I don't claim and he doesn't claim, that's still "no claims"?

Also, I have 4 years no claims, and half way through getting my 5th. When I come to renew next year, will I have 2 or 3 years no claims? - i.e. does this current year count or do I loose that on top of the 2 years?

Thanks!

sheraz2

if they claim you will lose the current years entitlement and 2 years.

impster

if no 'claim' is made, then you don't lose your 'no claims' surely?

Robbiej_2

impster wrote: »

if no 'claim' is made, then you don't lose your 'no claims' surely?

That's what I thought, but the woman at my insurers seemed to think otherwise.

It's annoying that something where no direct cost was incurred by anyone could end up costing me hundreds.

BenL

I think you will be ok for your no claims bonus, you will however have to tell insurers about accidents even if no claim is made.

This will affect your premium and needs to be advised to all insurance companies for 5 years from the date of the accident.

You will also get stung now on any other policies you are named on.

You have had an accident in any vehicle and the insurance company will want to be told.

One of those times that being honest might get you into more trouble than what it is worth.

Hopefully though the (possible) claim that is currently registered on the insurers system will be closed down and drop off in maybe 6 months if they do not hear anything from the other party and you will be re-instated with your no claims entitlement.

When is your renewal?

Robbiej_2

My renewal is in March.

I've seen this sort of accident before and ususally the people get out, see no damage and use common sense that a bump at 2mph isn't going to do a lot and leave it at that.

It was only becuase the guy was so addament that he needed to call his insurers that I thought I better do the same. I thought it was better to give them my side of events. From what i've been hearing looks like that wasn't such a good move.

Chippy_Minton_2

According to the RTA if no one was injured and nothing was damaged you haven't had an accident.

Mini_Bear

a similar thing happended to me and it didnt affect my no claims - if u hav 4+ yrs do u not get them protected anyway?
its probably worth callin back your insurer and speakin to sum1 else. in my experience many of the ppl who wrk in these call centres have very little experience and it may be policy to say u will lose no claims instead of u wont in case a claim is made by the other party later on.
In my case there was no damage AND it was the other drivers fault. accident was at a speed of 2mph and they still tried to claim for whiplash! didnt get very far.