Just been rear ended, what to do?

jr2025

Just had a van run into back of me. Damage not serious and I feel ok apart from headache.

Van driver wants to keep if off insurance if possible. He was a nice lad, full of apologies.

Last time this happened I just got in touch with BMW and they took it on, got may car fixed and my insurance were never involved. I'm in a Vauxhall now but I assume they have a similar assistance program.

Is that the best was to go?

jr2025

*way* to go.

Isthisforreal99

Go through insurance.

MeteredOut

The lad that wants to "keep it off insurance", what is his proposal to get your car fixed?

What if your headache still exists in 5 days?

TELLIT01

Inform your insurer even if you don't claim through them.  The other driver may decide to claim that you slammed your brakes on and it looks to him like an attempted 'crash for cash'.  Although there may be little apparent damage, plastic bumpers can hide a multitude of sins.

diveunderthebonnet

Plus it is wrong to not report an accident to your insurance company ,if they find out they can cancel your insurance and you will find it hard to get insurance again 

TadleyBaggie

Happened to me, first thought it was just a scuffed bumper. After looking closer it turned out there was way more damage behind the bumper.  

jr2025

MeteredOut said:

The lad that wants to "keep it off insurance", what is his proposal to get your car fixed?

What if your headache still exists in 5 days?

He said he'll pay whatever it costs.

I'm going to ring docs first thing in morning and get checked out. Assuming they can see me in the next three month 😀

sheramber

jr2025 said:

MeteredOut said:

The lad that wants to "keep it off insurance", what is his proposal to get your car fixed?

What if your headache still exists in 5 days?

He said he'll pay whatever it costs.

I'm going to ring docs first thing in morning and get checked out. Assuming they can see me in the next three month 😀

He may change his mind when the cost is assessed. 

Check your policy document to see if it says you must notify them of any incident/ accident. 

You can tell them it is for modifying them only, not claiming. 

jr2025

TELLIT01 said:

Inform your insurer even if you don't claim through them.  The other driver may decide to claim that you slammed your brakes on and it looks to him like an attempted 'crash for cash'.  Although there may be little apparent damage, plastic bumpers can hide a multitude of sins.

I think that's what I did last time if I remember right.

I'd just come to the back of a line of traffic and held back a bit so a truck could turn in front of me. Saw van approaching in mirror but was helpless as truck had started his turn. Anyway the truck I let turn has it on dashcam, his company is just round the corner and they're checking footage. He's an eye witness if nothing else.

I feel sorry for the lad, he's young and his insurance is already sky high. But I take your point about plastics so have to get it properly checked. 

jr2025

sheramber said:

jr2025 said:

MeteredOut said:

The lad that wants to "keep it off insurance", what is his proposal to get your car fixed?

What if your headache still exists in 5 days?

He said he'll pay whatever it costs.

I'm going to ring docs first thing in morning and get checked out. Assuming they can see me in the next three month 😀

He may change his mind when the cost is assessed. 

Check your policy document to see if it says you must notify them of any incident/ accident. 

You can tell them it is for modifying them only, not claiming. 

He'll change his mind if I go to Vauxhall dealer! I may have no choice if I want it properly assessed.

Nothing in policy docs about informing them but yes, I think it's best to get it on the record. It made no difference last time because I didn't claim through my insurer.