Who do I have to inform?

WestieFan

While I was at work today my car was hit, leaving a dent and bad scratching on the side. The driver sped away but it was witnessed by a passer-by who left a note under my wiper giving the make, model, colour and reg no of the car that hit me. He also left his phone number, which I phoned and he said he would be happy to be a witness. I will phone my insurance broker tomorrow, but do I have to inform the police as well?

alwaysonthego_2

yes you need to inform the police, failing to stop or report an accident is taken very seriously

Quinny_2

As is written above.

If the other person tries to deny it,then I'm sure a paint sample of their car,taken from the damage to your car,should confirm it.

Ken.

saintjanet

As above,report it,these people make you sick, just driving away.

He probably thinks he has got away with it, give him a nasty shock like he gave you.

back2square1

Yes definitely do report to the police. However take your documents with you - driving licence, insurance policy certificate, registration documents and MOT (if under 3yrs). Unfortunately even though you are not the guilty one they do ask for you to produce documents even when you are reporting a crime.

Pass onto your insurance company the witness's details too, because they will be required to submit a statement to them also.

MORPH3US

Think you have all the answers you need above (which I agree with toally) but please let us know how you get on...

I hope this idiot gets what he deserves!!

M

WestieFan

Thanks everybody for all advice. I am going to report it to Police tonight and will take documents - I would never have thought of that, as I am not in the wrong.

It looks like bad news though. I spoke to my insurance broker today. Unfortunately my premium is due in two weeks, and he said that if I pursue the claim my premium will go up by approx £100, and will affect my NCB (9 years). Obviously, I would get all this back if a claim against other person's insurers is successful, but I am really pushed for cash just now and don't know if I can afford another £100 on to my premium. To add to my mysery, I am almost sure I know who the person is. If I am right, he is a regular visitor to my workplace. His English is not good and he walks away if he doesn't understand. I wouldn't be surprised if he denied knowing anything about it or saying it is somebody's else's car or somebody else was driving. The witness did not see the driver, he was more concerned with getting the reg. no.

My broker advises this could be a minefield and maybe I would be better having it fixed myself, as it may be cheaper in the long run, as it could be a long drawn out affair with no guarantee of a successful claim.