Small amount of accidental damage - car

duncans-mum_2

Hi guys,

I have never luckily had to make an insurance claim within the last 15 years of driving, so am unsure whether to bother for this.

Last night a neighbor reversed into the back of my car which was parked on my drive. Typically no damage to her car and all that is noticeable on mine is the plastic bumper has cracked/split around the towing hook. (although it made an almighty bang) My car is 9 years old although in good nick.

Would you bother going though the insurance on this or is that just too petty? I have done a quick google and a replacement bumper is £185 before spraying and fitting Or do I get a quote done separate and see if the girl wants to pay for it or can that b decided by her after I have contacted insurance.

iamana1ias

You have no idea how much damage has been done (a lot could be hidden).

Go directly through her insurers and get it sorted properly.

Have a read on this forum. This question gets asked a lot and you'll find the answer is always the same.


How on earth did she manage to hit your car if it was on your drive???

Quentin

You don't need to go to your own insurer over this, as the neighbour's insurer will pay for the repairs. (This will be a claim on the neighbours history, but they won't have to pay any excess).

Ask them for their insurance details and send a letter with a quote for the repairs saying you hold their insured responsible and ask them to confirm they will reimburse all your expenses incurred over the incident.

As it will take at least a day for a new bumper to be fitted and sprayed, you will probably need a hire car, and they will also reimburse you for this expense.

duncans-mum_2

Thanks

Her drive is directly opposite mine, and as a car was parked outside her house on the road she didn't have enough room to turn the car, hence went into mine. If she had reversed the other way it would have been fine.

I shall have a read round the forum for other scenario's, but will take your advice and ring my insurance.

iamana1ias

duncans-mum wrote: »

Thanks

Her drive is directly opposite mine, and as a car was parked outside her house on the road she didn't have enough room to turn the car, hence went into mine. If she had reversed the other way it would have been fine.

I shall have a read round the forum for other scenario's, but will take your advice and ring my insurance.

Don't speak to your insurance, you need to speak to hers. Your insurers will treat it as a claim on your policy if you speak to them!

(No-one suggested speaking to your insurers!)

duncans-mum_2

Thanks for the reply Quentin, and your alternative advise. would my insurer not do that for me? Or will that still ultimately affect my insurance the next time around?

duncans-mum_2

iamana1ias wrote: »

Don't speak to your insurance, you need to speak to hers. Your insurers will treat it as a claim on your policy if you speak to them!

(No-one suggested speaking to your insurers!)

My apologies, I did mis-read your post. I will get in touch with hers, thank you.

Quentin

duncans-mum wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Quentin, and your alternative advise. would my insurer not do that for me? Or will that still ultimately affect my insurance the next time around?

As you have been advised, you don't need to claim off your own insurance.

If you do, then you will have to pay your excess, then claim it back off your neighbour.

So why not just follow the advice given and deal directly with the neighbour's insurer from the outset?

The only downside for you is that it may take a little longer to get the repairs done (as presumably if you claimed off your own insurer they would get the repairs done immediately)

Anihilator

Ok it's a 9 year old car
Why don't you ask a local mechanic how much they will charge to fit a replacement bumper from a scrappie if this is all that required

Yes you could go direct to her insurers but I would suggest you will see your car written off possibly.

Quentin

Even if it's written off by the third party insurer, you would keep the car - and have the cash to pay for (non insurance) repairs.