Car Damaged

SKETCH123

Someone has damaged my car a couple of weeks ago. It was parked outside my house. This young man bashed in to it. There is some damage the back light is smashed. Panel is damaged.



He has offered me £300. I am not sure to take this or go through insurance.

I have only be driving since august 2008.

Quentin

Don't accept his offer. Though you must inform your insurance company of the incident even if you don't intend to make a claim off them.

First, take the car to a garage of your choice and get a quote for the repairs. They should also check that there is no more damage which is unseen.

Find out how long the car will be off road whilst repairs are done.

Most body repairs are far in excess of £300, and you may need a replacement car whilst yours is in for repair. This could be expensive, and certainly wouldn't be covered by the £300 on offer.

Then get the third party to give you his insurance details.

If you have comprehensive insurance, you can either claim on it (and claim any uninsured losses yourself off the third party's insurer), or claim everything direct from the third party's insurers.

If you only have third party insurance, then you need to claim off the third party's insurers. If you have legal expenses insurance you could use this, or instruct your own solicitor (or contact a claims handler to see if they will take it on).

Don't be browbeaten by the third party into taking his offer!

SKETCH123

Thankyou for the advice. My insurance is third party fire and theft. Would i be able to claim off his insurance. Someone said they could write my car off. Does that mean i would get nothing.

Quentin

Yes you will have to claim off his insurer - in your case you will get no help from your own insurer (but you must inform them of the incident).

As posted, before you can do anything, get a quote for the repairs.

And if you have legal expenses insurance, then contact them or contact a claim handler (find one that offers to sort out your claim with no charge to you), or consult your own solicitor. (His charges should be paid by the third party's insurers)

Or if you want to do it yourself, send in a copy of the quote to the third party's insurers, telling them that you hold their insured liable. If you do it this way, then once they have agreed to liability it will normally be up to you to get the repairs done, pay for them (as well as any hire car needed etc), then submit the receipted invoices for reimbursement. (Though you may find that the insurance company involved is prepared to let the garage invoice them direct).

Without mentioning writing off your car, ask them if they wish to inspect your car before you get the repairs done.

If the car ends up a write off, then they will pay you its value (prior to the damage).

SKETCH123

Took your advice just had one quote taken and its going cost more to fix than the car is worth. So he said the insurance will most probably write it off. Thanks for your help

Quentin

Is it roadworthy and safe to drive?

You may be able to get a hire car until this is sorted.

It might be worth contacting a claim handler (and won't cost you anything to find out if they can help you).