Someone hit me, what to do?

Stoffy

Hi,

I'm new to this whole car insurance thing so need some advice.

Today, I was stopped at a junction waiting to turn when a car hit into the back of me. It was completely his fault and he apologised for hitting me. My car hasn't been damaged much (just a few scratches on the bumper). His car was worse off and I'm not sure what to do about the insurance company.

As a new driver my insurance isn't cheap and I'm worried if I report it my next years insurance will go through the roof, even though it wasn't my fault. Plus, I don't know what he is going to do. I have his name, address and vehicle details (didn't get his insurance company though).

My girlfriend was in the car with me and his wife was with him. Don't think there is any CCTV in the area and I'm a bit worried he will try and claim off me.

I'm quite happy to go ahead and forget about it as I said, my car has a few scratches and is quite old anyway (just a little run-around car) but I'm worried what he'll do i.e. claim for repairs, whiplash ect. His wife mentioned she was a nurse so I'm sure she see's this quite a lot.

Should I contact my insurance first to let them know?

Any help you can give would be great

:beer:

forgotmyname

If he reports it though then it will be on the database and your insurance will be wondering why you have not reported it.

Risk of having them cancel your policy for non-disclosure.

Try getting insurance after that. Possibly having to declare that forever wont help future premiums.

strummergirl

Hi there. I'm a solicitor who deals with this type of thing a lot. Firstly, as he drove into the back of your car, if he tries to claim off you he will be very disappointed. In a rear end shunt liability rests with the driver who fails to brake in time. You can wait and see how you and your girlfriend feel, whiplash etc do not usually kick in for hours/a few days. If you are definitely not injured, I would contact him and see if hes willing to pay for your repairs if you get a quote. Give him the option to go through his insurer, but this will cost him more in all likelihood. You have not done anything wrong, and deserve to get your car fixed! Good luck

Lucyadams184

I used to work in car insurance and I would report the claim, if you have minimal damage you could wait to go ahead until the other person accepts fault, this way you won't loose any no claims. I hope everything goes alright.

Jinx

This happened recently with my daughter, except she was the one behind and at fault! We made her report it to the insurance company, neither car was badly damaged but in case of whiplash etc or time off work for the driver in front. He didnt take it any further (to date anyway) and shes had a letter confirming that. Better to stay on the right side of insurance companies I would say!

Stoffy

Cheers guys,

I reported it to my insurance a few hours after my original post on here. I have told them I don't want to claim (on his insurance) yet and that I would see if there is any damage done first. I have an appointment at my local garage tomorrow to check nothing is damaged inside. Plus, its due an MOT next month so might as well check it now.

I'll let you know how we get on

unsure

Good idea to have your car checked at garage. I was in a similar situation few years ago. Guy behind in stationery traffic bumped our car. Didn't look much but the garage said bump was sufficient to damage the integrity of the bumper panel which needed replacement so ended up coming off his insurance.

forgotmyname

Spot the ambulance chaser?

jizzler

forgotmyname wrote: »

spot the ambulance chaser?

get in there £2000 a head :d

666diablo

Always contact your insurers as soon as possible. It is possible to let them know without proceeding your claim, initially. Be honest with them and say that due to miminal damage to your car, you will give the third party the opportunity to settle the claim without intervention form the insurance company.

Do not let anyone tell you that because you were hit in the rear, it is always the other person fault. I know from experience that this is not the case.

Look at the local council website. My local concil have a map where you can see the pacement of every cctv in the area. The footage can be paid for by the Police or Insurance company.

Always, get someone not in the vehicle to give a statement. If they are prepared to. If you see a curtain twitch or it was outside a shop, give the address in your report. Nothing may come from this, but then again someone may come forward.

NEXT TIME

TAKE YOUR PHONE OUT, TURN ON THE VIDEO RECORDER AND RECORD YOUR MOVEMENTS FROM THE MOMENT YOU EXIT YOUR VEHICLE TO THE REAR OF THE CAR. THEN TURN AND SHOW THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT HIT YOU.
YOU WILL THEN HAVE HARD PROOF. IF YOU ARE LUCKY THE THIRD PARTY WILL THINK YOU ARE ONLY TAKING PICTURES AND YOU WILL ALSO RECORD THE THIRD PARTY ADMITTING FAULT.