Insurance liability problem

Harry450

Hi, 6 months ago I got into my car in the car park of a small shop, I reversed out slowly as it's a bit tight anyway and there are only 4 spaces. In the space between me getting in my car, checking mirrors and putting my seatbelt on etc this chap flies in behind me, parks and evidently runs into the shop. I'm in a high 4x4 and he was in a low Audi plus we are on a hill. He had park behind me and blocked the entrance to the car park as well, effectively blocking everything.
I got out once I bumped into his car and went to ask the shop to find him which they did. Bottom line is that he didn't want to exchange details as it wasn't his car and he wasn't insured. He accepted liability on the spot apologised for the way and manner he had parked and wanted to leave it at that. I thought we had to exchange details by law so I managed to get his phone number and I texted him my details. I never heard another thing either from him or my insurance company until today (incident was last December) when my insurance co got in touch. I explained my position to them and they agreed with me on the phone. I asked who was making the claim as the man who was driving the car was not insured (car was his girlfriends uncles or some other distant relation) and he had borrowed it in a hurry. The claim is being made by the cars owner/ insurer but the only details provided are that I reversed into his stationary car.
That part is obviously true but as the driver was not insured dies he have any liability?

My insurance company decided that I was fully liable with 10 seconds of them putting the phone down according to their email? Just want to know if there is anything I can do about it. I do have photos of the way he parked the car and the slope of the car park etc. Will any of that help.

debtdebt

Ha can be uninsured and it won't affect the liability of a claim if you were at fault.

So he had time to park up, exit the vehicle and go into the shop whilst you were reversing out of your space? That is plenty of time for you to check the coast is clear. You're at fault.

Joe_Horner

His lack of insurance has nothing to do with it. Neither does how fast he "parked and ran into the shop".

You hit a stationary car and caused damage, you're liable for that damage.

Next time, check behind after you've done your seatbelt etc. "Couldn't see because my car's too high" isn't an excuse either - it's 100% your responsibility to make sure it's clear before moving.

Harry450

Well like I said, he parked and ran, probably took him 4 -5 seconds. I did check all around me but obviously if someone does park like he did there is not much you can do.

Harry450

Thanks for your answer. I may not have made myself clear, he didn't so much park as just stop and block both me and another car in plus the entrance. Then he ran in to the shop. Less than 5 seconds by my estimation. I realise I am liable, was just amazed they made a claim 6 months after the event and was curious about what relevance his not being insured for driving.

debtdebt

A claim for property damage can be presented at anything up to 6 years after the incident.

waamo

You should really report him for being uninsured.

Car_54

Joe_Horner wrote: »

Next time, check behind after you've done your seatbelt etc. "Couldn't see because my car's too high" isn't an excuse either - it's 100% your responsibility to make sure it's clear before moving.

Checking behind is not enough. The OP should have turned round and been looking where he/she was going!

Joe_Horner

Car_54 wrote: »

Checking behind is not enough. The OP should have turned round and been looking where he/she was going!

I count that as checking behind! :beer:

Car_54

Joe_Horner wrote: »

I count that as checking behind! :beer:

I don't think the op does!

arcon5

You reversed in to a vehicle, your liable