Another claim against me in 4 months! Help!

tbs152

Hi all

I posted this in insurance but it works here too I think...

I recently got done dealing with a claim against me whereby an oncoming vehicle and I hit each other's wing mirrors. I admitted fault and Direct Line paid for the repairs. That happened in November but finally got sorted in January.

Anyway, today (it being icy) I slid into the back of another vehicle quite slowly and there was a little bump. VERY minimal damage. None to my car and a crack in the back-right brake light case on her car. At least she claims I caused it, who knows? All she'll need is a new case for the light.

So she just said "I'm taking your details and put it through insurance, easy". I got her address, name and number plate, no number.

Two questions - 1. what will Direct Line do if they get another claim against me in only 4 months? (I already lost my NCB) and 2. is there any way I can get out of this - especially considering that there's hardly any damage - and she can't prove that it was me who caused the crack in the light? And there were no witnesses.

Any advice welcome!!

Thanks all

tbs152

maninthestreet

A new back light fitting probably won't cost the earth - what sort of car was it?
It may be easier to offer to pay the other driver's repair costs out of your own pocket. DL's response to another claim on your insurance will be to increase your premium when your policy is due for renewal.

tbs152

It was a Golf. Not the newest mark though, the one before that.

The problem is I can't contact her now, I just have an address and a number plate. Maybe she'll think about it and realise a job that'll cost less than £100 isn't worth an entire claim. We can hope.

Otherwise I'll just have to put up with the fact that my premiums next year will be a lot higher! Hey - at least I already lost my no claims, so the best time for it to happen really!

boyse7en

You could pay for a new back light lens to be fitted at a garage convenient to her.

And it was definitely your fault, running into the back of another vehicle. The fact it was icy is irrelevant. So don't try to wriggle out of your responsibilities by saying there were no witnesses. At least you'll be able to sleep soundly knowing you did right.

I'm now climbing off my moral high horse

custardy

of course she will claim,why wouldnt she?
how to "get out of it?"
dont run into the back of cars

tbs152

No, of course I won't try to get out of it.

It's just annoying that there was such minor damage and she wants to go through the whole insurance process.

Inactive

Indeed, some driving lessons may well be your best long term option.;)

tbs152

I refuse to place the blame at the feet of my impeccable driving skills.

It's the bloody ice's fault.



Thanks for the input everyone.

Direct Line are going to love me!!

triggerhappy_2

I'd be careful if you're going to do it outside of your insurance - I had a very similar collision some years ago at a very low speed and the only visible damage was a crack in the fog light case. The guy ended up getting his whole rear bumper and various other bits replaced at a cost of around £800. I ended up with no choice but to do it though insurance in the end.

tbs152

Yeah I'll let insurance handle it. It's my best bet I think.

My only concern: Direct Line can't refuse the claim because it's so soon after the other one can they?

Inactive

tbs152 wrote: »

My only concern: Direct Line can't refuse the claim because it's so soon after the other one can they?

No, but I bet your renewal quote next time will make your eyes water.;)