What to do when someone says they'll pay for car damage privately then won't

levyuk

Hi

Just before Christmas someone scratched my rear bumper. They left me a note with name and phone number. In the note they admit guilt. After contacting them they said they'd pay without going to the insurance company. I had the work done to fix the problem but now they want to go through their insurance. The work was less than £200 so it seems odd to me as the excess and change in insurance price would surely make this not worth while.

What do I do? I don't want my insurance to be affected.

Thanks

dacouch

Do you have the registration number?

Were there any witnesses?

levyuk

I don't have the registration and I don't know if there were any witnesses as I was in church for a wedding when it happened. I have his name, phone number and his policy number with the insurance company as he sent it to me.

DUTR

levyuk wrote: »

I don't have the registration and I don't know if there were any witnesses as I was in church for a wedding when it happened. I have his name, phone number and his policy number with the insurance company as he sent it to me.

Then in effect you cannot do anything (much).
Now had you informed the insurance company at the time, then they could have kept on the case. The 3rd party can then deal with the insurer as to whether they want to reimburse the repair cost directly to the company.

Rambosmum

You *should* have notified your insurance anyway.

I'd go straight to their insurance company and get them to repair it and bypass your insurance.

neilmcl

Make contact with their insurer directly and provide evidence, receipts of the work carried out.

neilmcl

Rambosmum wrote: »

You *should* have notified your insurance anyway.

I'd go straight to their insurance company and get them to repair it and bypass your insurance.

I think you missed the point where the OP stated they've already had the work done.

You are of course correct, the OP's insurer will require him to inform them of the accident even if it's just for information purposed only.

lesalanos

Unfortunately if you claim through their insurance you have to declare it at renewal time so will still cost you longer term.

neilmcl

lesalanos wrote: »

Unfortunately if you claim through their insurance you have to declare it at renewal time so will still cost you longer term.

He'll have to declare it regardless. See post above.

Marktheshark

Your insurance company could cancel your policy if you report it this late as you breeched the contract in not informing them of any accidents or incidents.
If they do, it will cost more than £200 in the long run.

Personally I would send a letter before action and then court papers.

levyuk

Marktheshark wrote: »

Your insurance company could cancel your policy if you report it this late as you breeched the contract in not informing them of any accidents or incidents.
If they do, it will cost more than £200 in the long run.

Personally I would send a letter before action and then court papers.

I did think about small claims court as he admitted guilt.