tracing car with half a registration plate

jubilee12

This week I was waiting at a roundabout to go. When there was a break in traffic, I edged forward, car stalled, I stopped car immediately with footbrake. Person behind me kept going, went into my back.

I got out, my boot and bumper dented, other driver's numberplate slightly scratched, nothing else. Please don't slam me for the next bit - the other driver was very aggressive, told me it was my fault, I was upset, we exchanged words but didn't exchange details, both drove off. Yes I was stupid.

As soon as I got home, I told my insurance co. Later same eve I also informed police. Obviously I was wrong not to exchange details but they said as not serious incident they won't get involved. Insurance co. have said it's other driver's fault as they weren't at a safe distance and I had stopped. Happy to pursue it, but I only have the make, colour, and half the reg plate of the car. Police say they could trace this if it were a serious crime but won't pursue as it isn't.

I really do appreciate this (and that I've been stupid, I was intimidated by the other driver). I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can do. I'm not interested in claiming something outrageous, just to repair the boot.

Quentin

See if a local back street garage can do the repair economically (compared with paying your excess/losing NCD (if not protected)/future premium increases)

victor2

I think you're going to struggle to make any progress with this, if it's worth claiming off your own insurance, less your excess, that's probably all you can do. If not, do tell your insurers you don't want to claim - your policy cost will increase anyway, but unless you're going to be dishonest in the future regarding insurance, that is almost inevitable.
If the accident happened during "commuting" time, there's a chance the other party was on their way to or from work and may be a regular traveller along that route. You could plant yourself near the spot at around the same time as the accident and see if the same car goes by. That's the only chance I can see for you to get the complete number.
If you're successful, your insurers may then pursue the claim against the third party and avoid you paying the excess. Will still be an accident on your history even if non-fault and the policy cost will increase unfortunately.

EssexExile

jubilee12 wrote: »

Please don't slam me for the next bit - the other driver was very aggressive, told me it was my fault, I was upset, we exchanged words but didn't exchange details, both drove off. Yes I was stupid.

That's not stupidity, it's self preservation.

RS2000.

Did your local police complete a collision report or give you a self reporting form?

A VODS check on the PNC may get you the full reg and it won't take much effort. If you report the collision you're entitled to an investigation. It's minimal effort and cost for them, you're not asking for a prosecution so no excuse for not assisting you.

clayton16749

How much of the reg did you get?
DG04??P, vw beetle in blue - shouldn't be too hard for the police to find
D??????, vw beetle in blue - obviously presents more of a challenge


The other driver has driven off after being very aggressive and failing to give you his details. Times are very tight for the police at present, but they should be doing a bit more digging on this given the circumstances.


Sitting on the roundabout at the right time of day may yield a result but the police may be helped in tracing this driver if there's an ANPR camera on this road?


Good luck

jubilee12

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.
I hate doing this but I'm going to get my other half to call the police next week. It shouldn't be this way, but I think I've been dismissed as a silly girl.

I got XX11 ???? colour/car make (not the actual reg) so it's not as if I'm giving them nothing, and the sex of the driver.

Thanks all

RS2000.

jubilee12 wrote: »

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.
I hate doing this but I'm going to get my other half to call the police next week. It shouldn't be this way, but I think I've been dismissed as a silly girl.

I got XX11 ???? colour/car make (not the actual reg) so it's not as if I'm giving them nothing, and the sex of the driver.

Thanks all

Some forces had a policy when they won't take a report for insurance purposes after a set amount of time.

It's nothing to do with your other half so get back to the station today.

ACG

Was there any CCTV near by? Can you have a word with any of the business owners?

clayton16749

jubilee12 wrote: »

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.
I hate doing this but I'm going to get my other half to call the police next week. It shouldn't be this way, but I think I've been dismissed as a silly girl.

I got XX11 ???? colour/car make (not the actual reg) so it's not as if I'm giving them nothing, and the sex of the driver.

Thanks all

Don't do it next week, do it now - they're open 24/7.


I assume you made the initial report just after it happened?

RS2000.

clayton16749 wrote: »

Don't do it next week, do it now - they're open 24/7.


I assume you made the initial report just after it happened?

Depends where the op lives, it's Sunday and I can name you one force where they're only open for six hours.