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Taxi driver hit my parked car - damage to rear bumper panel

*Kat*
*Kat* Posts: 1,829 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
Got home yesterday to find a note on my window saying that he had hit my car and to call him. Called him as soon as I got home.

He asked that we don't go through the insurance because it would effect his and my no claims. I said that I would get a couple of estimates and send them over to him.

I got a quote for £150 + VAT from a small independent garage (not an expensive one!)

I text him this morning saying that I received a quote and asked for his email and name so I could email them over. He replied asking what the quote was, but didn't provide me with his name or email. I told him and now he's not responding.

I found his number on gumtree, I know the area he lives in and his name, and I also know that he is a taxi driver (his name was left on a taxi company's receipt, and his gumtree ad was looking for work as a taxi driver!).

How long do I give him before contacting the police? Should I contact them or should I let him know that if I don't hear from him by x time I will contact them?

I don't want to get confrontational, but I don't want to be bumped either.

Thanks!!
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Comments

  • wiogs
    wiogs Posts: 2,744 Forumite
    I would just go for it now.

    Get the insurance involved.
  • sinizterguy
    sinizterguy Posts: 1,178 Forumite
    It's already confrontational.

    Tell him you'll prove the quote when you have his name and details, otherwise, you are quite happy to call your insurance / police as required (if he didn't give you anything more than his mobile number).
  • rs65
    rs65 Posts: 5,682 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    *Kat* wrote: »
    Got home yesterday

    ......

    I text him this morning

    ......

    and now he's not responding.


    Give him a chance. He's done the decent thing so far by leaving his details.
  • Quentin
    Quentin Posts: 40,405 Forumite
    He tried to con you into this by telling you that you will lose your NCD. As he is to blame you won't.


    And he won't lose his if he reimburses his insurer their costs.


    Get in touch with his insurer (use ask mid - free from a smartphone) and see if they have an innocent third party claims department.


    Then ask them to deal with your claim. You will be able to use your choice of garage, get a car whilst yours is in dock and all repairs will be done (sometimes with bumpers it turns out there is more damage found once they are removed).
  • You do realise it wasn't even 9AM when you posted that message, and shockingly enough some taxi drivers work nights?
  • Bantex_2
    Bantex_2 Posts: 3,317 Forumite
    It appears that OP does not have the reg no of the vehicle. In my experience without this the police and insurance company will not do anything.
  • Bantex wrote: »
    It appears that OP does not have the reg no of the vehicle. In my experience without this the police and insurance company will not do anything.

    Just get someone else to call him up and book a ride ?
  • *Kat*
    *Kat* Posts: 1,829 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    rs65 wrote: »
    Give him a chance. He's done the decent thing so far by leaving his details.

    My problem is I have 24 hours to report it, and he replied to my text at 8:15am this morning promptly, then stopped!!
  • *Kat* wrote: »
    My problem is I have 24 hours to report it, and he replied to my text at 8:15am this morning promptly, then stopped!!

    Maybe that's when he got off shift and went to bed ?
  • *Kat* wrote: »
    My problem is I have 24 hours to report it, and he replied to my text at 8:15am this morning promptly, then stopped!!

    Then report it if you're worried, but I don't think it's anything sinister. People work different hours.
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