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I've been I've been in a car collision - should I "go through Insurance"?

This morning I've been in a minor road traffic collision on my way to work. The other party has admitted full responsibility, and to be honest even if they didn't it is highly likely they would be found fully responsible.

Now I was just about to ring my insurance company, when the other party rung me up, and stated that she didn't want to go through insurance as she would loose her No Claims Discount. She offered that her (or her boyfriend) would pay for the damage to be repaired at a local garage.

Now I know I have to let my car insurance company know of the accident (even if I don't wish to make a claim), which I will do. But Should I let the other party pay or should I go through insurance?

Is there any benefit or possible problems with either way?

Comments

  • Your T&Cs will state you need to inform the insurer of the incident.

    If the 3rd party doesn't pay you, or argues the bill, what would you do?
    The 3rd party can pay the claim off through their insurer to close the claim.
    On the flip side, guess what happens to your premium?
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 29,878 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What if the repairs are unsatisfactory? (insurers approved garages are often guranteed)
    What happens if you suffer a sore neck a liitle later and want ot claim priavte treatment or make a personal injury claim?

    The best route from your point of view is to go through their insurance direct and not involve your insurer.
    That way you haven't made the claim on your insurance but still get an approved gargage etc.

    However how minor is it?
    How likely are injuries?
    It is just a scratch to your car.
    Do you even know the extent of your damage yet?
    Injuries can occur at very slow speed.
    Damage can occur to cars that is not immediately apparent and it can and may be more expensive than they anticiapted and can afford.
  • Quentin
    Quentin Posts: 40,405 Forumite
    The third party can reimburse her insurer for the costs if she wants to preserve her NCD.

    So let them deal with this (as previously posted, this could be far more expensive than the third party anticipates - will she be prepared to pay for a hire car whilst the car is in dock plus all your other out of pocket expenses?)

    And you are the injured party and should have your car repaired at your choice of garage, not the third party's!

    Write with a copy of the estimate for repairs and ask that they reimburse all your out of pocket expenses including car hire, compensation for inconvenience caused, fares, phone calls etc.
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