Car Insurance or settle privately in a bump?

Doreen21

Hi All, 
Three days ago someone bumped my car while it was in the garage awaiting it's MOT.  The 3rd party was very apologetic, left all his details with the garage, there were witnesses, etc.  He has since contacted me to say he would like to settle privately.  I have taken the vehicle to a body repair shop who have quoted £800 which again the 3rd party is happy with.
My question is - in the case that the 3rd party changes his mind regarding settling privately how long post bump do I have to inform my insurance company?  I don't particularly want to involve the insurers unless absolutely necessary but also don't want the 3rd party to back out and then my insurers saying it is too late for me to claim from them.
Thanks all.

NoMore

I think your in the wrong part of the forum, this is the pension section.

Doreen21

I just realised that.  I am sorry.  I am new to this.  Can you tell me how to delete the post and I will take it off and start again.  My apologies.  Thanks.

MallyGirl

I can move it for you

[Deleted User]

You'll need to inform them either way, so simpler to le them deal with it.

[Deleted User]

Your insurance terms will require you to inform them regardless, even if it's a no claim situation, that may not affect your premiums at all however, but it may increase. The danger is twofold - one, you don't declare it, then forget and accidentally tell them in a call about something else. Two, the third party ghosts you and stops responding and then you have to involve the insurer who would be asking why you didn't say sooner.

Flight3287462

Whilst most of us would take the money then authorise the repair.

Doreen21

I read on line if I don't inform insurers within 72 hours they could invalidate my insurance despite fact 3rd party has admitted liability,  CCTV, witnesses etc. Someone else said I don't need to report it for several years and insurance will be ok? Which one is correct? Thanks.

Sandtree

If you believe everything you read online you'll be walking around in a tin foil hat to stop the government from reading your brain.

The keyword you've used is report... for reporting it should be as soon as reasonably practicable however the key point is to report it before your next renewal. Ultimately you can report it later, and many do, but that creates an issue for your new policy not the old one you are claiming off of.

In terms of claiming, there you potentially have more time however the key part here will come down to if the delay either prejudices the claim (not very common) or further damage - eg a dent that could have been pulled and touched up starts rusting and so now needs a replacement panel. 

Flight3287462

You really are a bit late now, has the car been fixed and/or have you received the money to fix the car?

maxmycardagain

"Three days ago someone bumped my car while it was in the garage"

IN the garage/off the road?