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Car Repair Dilemma
Hi all at MSE,
In a bit of a dilemma and wondering if anyone can advise.
I've recently been hit by another driver, he cut across my front from the left lane (didn't check his blind spot!) and now my bumper needs repairs. There were no injuries, though difficult when taking photos in darkness (8pm) with heavy rain. In a legal sense, the accident was his fault.
We exchanged details etc.
We discussed and I agreed to allow the repairs to be carried out without involving insurers, assuming the cost wasn't too high for him.
Since then I have had been quoted approx. £500 for repair or £2000 for a new bumper (equivalent of an insurance job). I have given him the quotes. He wants to find out how much his repair before deciding whether to claim it on insurance or not.
My issue: I don't feel I should have to pay, however I'm aware that if we go through the insurers I will lose my (measly) 2 years no claims which right now adds up to a few hundred £ discount. (Last renewal was almost £900). He hasn't given any indication that he will pay the full amount and more than likely he will want go through his insurer.
If I do go through insurance my next renewal will likely be really expensive, albeit I won't pay anything now.
If we do cash I'll get a repaired rather than new bumper (will look fine but perhaps slightly weaker), plus I most likely will have to contribute to some of the payment.
I have read that his insurance company could deal with the repairs directly, else an accident management/credit hire company can also help with a replacement car and claim repairs from his insurer.
1. Please provide any advice on these two options, and how they may affect my current or future insurance premiums.
2. Can I speak to his insurer to repair my car? Pros and cons of this?
3. I read that potentially with an accident management company if the other insurer isn't paying out I may be stuck with a bill? Any information on this scenario?
4. Do I need to inform the insurance company that another company (either his insurer or 3rd party accident management company) is dealing with the repairs? And if I go this route will it affect my claims bonus or premium?
Many thanks folks.
In a bit of a dilemma and wondering if anyone can advise.
I've recently been hit by another driver, he cut across my front from the left lane (didn't check his blind spot!) and now my bumper needs repairs. There were no injuries, though difficult when taking photos in darkness (8pm) with heavy rain. In a legal sense, the accident was his fault.
We exchanged details etc.
We discussed and I agreed to allow the repairs to be carried out without involving insurers, assuming the cost wasn't too high for him.
Since then I have had been quoted approx. £500 for repair or £2000 for a new bumper (equivalent of an insurance job). I have given him the quotes. He wants to find out how much his repair before deciding whether to claim it on insurance or not.
My issue: I don't feel I should have to pay, however I'm aware that if we go through the insurers I will lose my (measly) 2 years no claims which right now adds up to a few hundred £ discount. (Last renewal was almost £900). He hasn't given any indication that he will pay the full amount and more than likely he will want go through his insurer.
If I do go through insurance my next renewal will likely be really expensive, albeit I won't pay anything now.
If we do cash I'll get a repaired rather than new bumper (will look fine but perhaps slightly weaker), plus I most likely will have to contribute to some of the payment.
I have read that his insurance company could deal with the repairs directly, else an accident management/credit hire company can also help with a replacement car and claim repairs from his insurer.
1. Please provide any advice on these two options, and how they may affect my current or future insurance premiums.
2. Can I speak to his insurer to repair my car? Pros and cons of this?
3. I read that potentially with an accident management company if the other insurer isn't paying out I may be stuck with a bill? Any information on this scenario?
4. Do I need to inform the insurance company that another company (either his insurer or 3rd party accident management company) is dealing with the repairs? And if I go this route will it affect my claims bonus or premium?
Many thanks folks.
0
Comments
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If this goes to insurance expect 50/50 liability.I do Contracts, all day every day.0
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Please explain why you think so.
Situation was we were driving into a car park (2 lanes) - I was in the right lane and him on the left, him slightly ahead of me so I'm in the blind spot. There were parking spaces on the right, however you're not supposed to cross that way, you're supposed to drive around following the road. He indicated right which is fine to switch lane, he should have waited for me to pass or let into my lane.
Instead he cut straight across me to take a shortcut into the parking spaces and obviously hit me as he didn't check his blind spot to see that I was there.
I don't see any way that I'm at fault here! Any chance the insurers could still decide 50/50? In which case would I then have to pay the excess?0 -
Please explain why you think so.
Situation was we were driving into a car park (2 lanes) - I was in the right lane and him on the left, him slightly ahead of me so I'm in the blind spot. There were parking spaces on the right, however you're not supposed to cross that way, you're supposed to drive around following the road. He indicated right which is fine to switch lane, he should have waited for me to pass or let into my lane.
Instead he cut straight across me to take a shortcut into the parking spaces and obviously hit me as he didn't check his blind spot to see that I was there.
I don't see any way that I'm at fault here! Any chance the insurers could still decide 50/50? In which case would I then have to pay the excess?
If you saw him indicating, then you could have avoided the accident by simply letting him into your lane. Instead, it sounds like you ignored the signal, and instead of being pleasant about it, blocked his path and he drove into you. 50/50.0 -
Does the TP agree it was his fault? If not then insurers will go 50/50. Why? Because then you both lose your NCB and both pay your excess so its win/win for the insurance industry! Not only that but future premiums will be higher for both of you.0
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BeenThroughItAll - I understand. I saw him indicating but I was already alongside him - therefore it was my right of way. I just hope the insurers would see this.
EdGasket - Ah, thank you for the clarification! Fortunately he does so hopefully not an issue.
Can anyone provide advice on having my repairs directly through his insurer or otherwise and accident management company?0 -
Has he provided you with his insurance details. If so then contact his insurance company and tell them you would like to make a claim on his policy. You may want to notify him that you are doing so as they will contact him.
Downside to going through his insurance is that you will not be able to appeal to ombudsman if you have any issues with their handling of the claim.
You will also need to notify your insurance of the accident and subsequent damage.0 -
Thank you rich13348.
Do you or does anyone know if claiming through his policy affects my own NCB? I know a claim is irrespective of fault, however not sure if it applied when not claiming through your own insurance policy.0 -
it wont affect your no claims if you don't claim on your policy, however you will have to declare it and it will affect you price0
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BeenThroughItAll - I understand. I saw him indicating but I was already alongside him - therefore it was my right of way. I just hope the insurers would see this.
EdGasket - Ah, thank you for the clarification! Fortunately he does so hopefully not an issue.
Can anyone provide advice on having my repairs directly through his insurer or otherwise and accident management company?
If you want to use that you best find a legislation that backs it up.0 -
Jay- what are your thoughts on the gov.uk highway code website, Rules 159-163? (sorry can't link to it).
Glentoran - thanks, so even if I change to another insurer when I next renew, will my premium be affected?0
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