Someone hit me today - do I need to tell my insurance co if I go to the police?

blue_monkey_2

In B&Q today an old bloke reversed into my car. I have witnesses and I have the B&Q CCTV where they say they can see him hit me (and others trying to stop/warn him) get out his car, look at mine where I showed him and then he got back in and drove off. They cannot however see his numberplate as it is too blurry. The security guard suggested I go to the police and tell them as they would enhance the CCTV.

I've got a scrape on my bumper now and the car is not quite 2 years old, I am a bit miffed tbh. I have all my docs to go to the police but do I have to tell my insurance company and will this have an impact on my NCB and getting insurance elsewhere for the future?

Honestly, the guy should not have been driving, people were waving and shouting 'stop' and he said people were 'waving him out' and put the blame on everyone else. I also had my hand on my horn and he did not hear it and carried on reversing. He also had dark glasses on in a multi story car park, there is no way he could have been able to see. I only missed him caving in the side of my car because I shoved it in 1st and put my foot down when it was clear he was not going to stop. I want to go to the police because he should be stopped if he is not capable of driving any longer (sight and hearing bad) but I am worried it is going to mean I have to tell potential insurers I have had a scrape when they might not even be able to find the guy.

What are your opinions on this. Thanks.

Gloomendoom

If it was in a public place, and it sounds like it was, then he should have given you his details. I'm not sure if the police can/will enhance the video but I know they can do a search for the vehicle based on as many details as you can remember... colour, make, model, first letter of reg etc.

fivetide

He might be on another camera leaving the place with a better view of his plate....

5t.

Wh05apk

fivetide wrote: »

He might be on another camera leaving the place with a better view of his plate....

5t.

He might be, but given it was a minor parking incident and not an armed robbery, I don't think the police will be spending too much time combing the area for other cameras. A few years ago we had a similar thing happen to us, and the police did not want to know unless anyone was injured.

You should report it to your insurers, if you have the car details and witnesses they can pursue a claim, it will not affect your insuance unless you actually claim off your insurance.

shaun_from_Africa

fivetide wrote: »

He might be on another camera leaving the place with a better view of his plate....

5t.

Especially if it a carpark that you have to pay to use and it has a barrier at the exit.
These often have cameras to record if anyone tries to bypass or force the gates.

Lum

Wh05apk wrote: »

You should report it to your insurers, if you have the car details and witnesses they can pursue a claim, it will not affect your insuance unless you actually claim off your insurance.

Yes it will.

blue_monkey_2

Thanks for the replies. It was not a pay car park and I guess it must be a chore for the police trying to find drivers who hit other cars, do damage and then drive off. Wonder how many more people he has done this to.

What I wondered though, was would it impact my insurance at all if I reported it. This is my worry because why should I be penalised? Do I only go to my insurance company if I have the other drivers details? I have nothing to tell them at the moment.

However, I don't think drivers should be able to hit people and then drive off and get away with it. From the way he drove off, I reckon he must have done it before. He is a danger to himself an others if he could not see a people carrier behind him in either wing mirror or his rear view mirror and was relying on other people 'waving him out' (while shouting stop!!).

I called the police already and they have told me I should go down and fill out a report of not stopping.

McKneff

Lum wrote: »

Yes it will.

Some do and some dont, it depends on the insurance company you are with.

Ask them.

blue_monkey_2

McKneff wrote: »

Some do and some dont, it depends on the insurance company you are with.

Ask them.

Thanks, but if I do then it will be too late, won't it?

Lum

McKneff wrote: »

Some do and some dont, it depends on the insurance company you are with.

Ask them.

it's 5 years of declaring it to every single company you call at renewal time.

I usually go through about 40 or 50 companies, including many that don't quote online it's a gigantic pain in the backside and it means some will refuse cover or charge higher prices so it affects your renewal one way or the other. Probably wont affect the remainder of your current policy though.

blue_monkey_2

I've been with Esure for years and have only ever had one claim because a pheasant flew out from some grass and made a complete mess of my car. I've got protected no claims and it has never affected the policy with them, but it means moving is a complete PITA. I have to admit that the premium has always been very good - under £300 pa for a new people carrier with PNCB.

I think I might go and report it anyway and if I get his details then give them a call. I just do not think that I should be penalised because of him, that's all. It is the principle, I want to stop him doing it to someone else and to make him think before he gets into a car.