Should I go through insurance or pay other driver directly

SkintMonkey

Hello

Last week (Wednesday) I was behind a car at a junction, they looked like they were about to go, I looked to my right at the traffic and was moving forward, the car infront then stopped, I didn't see in time and went into the back of them (was probably only going about 5mph max).

Anyway, I got out and we both looked at the damage, both cards looked fine, but it was raining and the other drivers car was dirty so it was hard to tell. We exchanged details and the next day she phoned me to say that she'd taken her car to the garage and they'd said that something needs to be repaired (was quite surprised as there didn't appear to be any damage and it wasn't and I thought all BMW's were built like tanks - but I'm not a mechanic!) - I think it was the bumper.

Anyway, she's called me again today and left a message to say that the garage has quoted her for the repairs and its £211.

As I've been away (and I guess put it to the back of my mind) I've not phoned my insurance company yet - I'm wondering whether it would be better to pay the other directly rather than going through insurance as my excess is £250 - so I take it that would mean that I would have to pay the full £211 anyway???

Advice please....

Thanks

SM

ScottishSapper

SkintMonkey wrote: »

Hello

so I take it that would mean that I would have to pay the full £211 anyway???

Advice please....

Thanks

SM

Yep you will! If you go through your insurance you are going to have to declare the claim at renewal, have you got No Claims protection? If not there will certainly be increase in next years premiums.

SkintMonkey

So should I just tell her to ask the garage to send me the bill directly and not bother going through insurance?

I've not necessarily admitted fault, but I went into the back of her, so it's obvious that it's my fault and the insurance would find in her favour anyway..

sarahg1969

ScottishSapper wrote: »

Yep you will! If you go through your insurance you are going to have to declare the claim at renewal, have you got No Claims protection? If not there will certainly be increase in next years premiums.

That's wrong. If he went through his insurance, the insurers would settle the third party claim in full.

The excess would only apply to a claim for damage to his own vehicle.

OP - I personally would just pay it to get rid of her. Before she decides she was injured.

SkintMonkey

sarahg1969 wrote: »

That's wrong. If he went through his insurance, the insurers would settle the third party claim in full.

The excess would only apply to a claim for damage to his own vehicle.

OP - I personally would just pay it to get rid of her. Before she decides she was injured.

What pay her directly - ask her to send the bill to me?

neilmcl

No, get her to send you the bill and settle up with the garage directly. Don't give her any money. If you check your insurance docs. you'll likely find that you will be obliged to mention the accident at renewal time, regardless of whether there was a claim or not.

Rowan1946

I was in a similar situation were some1 ran into me at a junction, the damage was cosmetic i.e the dirt on her bumper scratched the paint off mines but the car only had 20 miles on it so i was not too chuffed,,

I done the right thing & told my insurance just incase things went tits up but the 3rd party just wanted to pay for the repair,, i went to 3 repairers for quotes, 2 wanted to change bumper £450+ & another would fix it, £180 ish,,

I was happy for the repair (£180) as to be honest it was not that bad so the 3rd party done a bank transfer & paid me directly & with me accepting it by email she was happy,,

As far as insurance,, they doubled my quote the following year then i was run into again, ironically the same junction, a bit harder though with some whiplash thrown inn,, awwchh,, was an insurance job this time as both cars were damaged but my own insurance were again the big problem so i just dealt with the 3rd party who were great.

ScottishSapper

sarahg1969 wrote: »

That's wrong. If he went through his insurance, the insurers would settle the third party claim in full.

The excess would only apply to a claim for damage to his own vehicle.

OP - I personally would just pay it to get rid of her. Before she decides she was injured.

I'm not sure I agree fully! OP ran in to other vehicle = so OP at fault
Also;

The excess would only apply to a claim for damage to his own vehicle.

As far as I'm aware, the excess applies to the claim.
If he were 3rd Party, he would not be able to claim for damage to own car but other party would claim on OP insurance and he would have to pay the excess.

I'm not saying this is factual, only my opinion.

We all know that you 'should' inform your Ins Co when you have a knock, but how many actually do? Especially in 'At Fault' it will be recorded and used in furture renewals. The cost of repairs is under the excess, other party not fussed who pays as long as someone does - so - pay up, save a couple of £'s on the bill and keep no claims.

Once again, only my opinion

bryanb

ScottishSapper wrote: »

I'm not sure I agree fully! OP ran in to other vehicle = so OP at fault
Also;

As far as I'm aware, the excess applies to the claim.
If he were 3rd Party, he would not be able to claim for damage to own car but other party would claim on OP insurance and he would have to pay the excess.



Once again, only my opinion

Once again you are wrong

ScottishSapper

bryanb wrote: »

Once again you are wrong

I have no problem being wrong, as I said it was my opinion or what I thought was right.

Would be helpfull if you could explain where/how I am wrong

bryanb

ScottishSapper wrote: »

I have no problem being wrong, as I said it was my opinion or what I thought was right.

Would be helpfull if you could explain where/how I am wrong

Certainly, The insurance company cannot avoid the claim by the third party if their insured is to blame. Therefore excesses are applied to own damage.
Consider third party insurance where there are no excesses, that part of the policy remains the same in Fully comp.
Sorry that's the best I can do.