Accident, Insurance Claim Advice

[Ryann]

Hi All, A lady hit my car on the drivers side. She managed to stop close enough to make contact and it has caused small dent and a small scratch. The lady refuses to accept that it's her fault. She thinks I hit the front of her car from the side. I have asked three peoples opinion for independent advise and they have all said that I was in the right and I could make a claim if I wanted to. I have asked the lady if she would like to settle privately. She has refused. This woman was very aggressive and rude.

Anyway, if I make a on her insurance I have to pay a £600 excess. I will get it back if I win. However, I think I can probably fix the paintwork myself and get a local bodywork specialist to look at the small dent. I Haven't had any quotes yet as this incident happenned yesterday but it could cost less £600. I also know if I make a claim, even if I win, my premiums will go up for next year.

I just want some advise in terms of what you would do in this situation.

 

[bigbobs CL]

If you are confident you will win then go and see a solicitor who specialises in accident claims. They can persue the claim for you without your insurance company even knowing about it. I had a similar thing last year, got a solicititor on it and was all sorted and settled without any contact to my insurance.

Bob

 

[Ryann]

That would mean I would have to cover the solicitors fees until I win the case. Secondly, this is not a straight forward accident that's why I asked three people for their independent opinion. I am not really sure what to do.

 

[coopz]

always tell you insurance company,as the other driver may get an advantage by claiming against you,if thing dont work out , the way you think,you can always withdraw your claim
you dont pay excess if you claim off the other driver,but alway tell your company

 

[Xtractorfan]

If your car was moving at the time then the insurance company will always take the view that you could be partly to blame, and decide on a 50/50 sttlement..If your car was stopped and or parked then the lady is at fault..no quibbles.. bear in mind the insurance company will not investigate the accident as it is only minor. I would fix the the paint as you suggest and have dentmaster or similar to remove the dent..cost about £50 -£100.. and if so then approach the lady with the bill for £100 she may just pay up.. and £600 for an excess..what kind of driving record have you got.........

 

[Ryann]

My age and location effects my insurance. I live right in the city. Secondly,I showed a friend the damadge and he said it would cost around £100-£200 to fix (from his past experience). I don't think the lady want's to make a claim as I sensed that she wanted to walk away from the incident. There was no damadge to her car at all. But I don't trust people nowadays. I am thinking that I will not make a claim as it make's it simpler. However, I am worried that she may just decide to make a claim for the sake of it. If she want's to make a claim by twisting things does that mean the insurance company will think it's my fault. The lady will not settle out as she believes it's no fault.

 

[rf065]

In my experience, unless it can be proved 100% it was her fault with at least 2 independant witnesses or CCTV footage, the insurance company will just call it knock for knock, especially if the amount to fix the damage is relatively low.

Russ

 

[Xtractorfan]

If she has no damage then she has no reason to make a claim, contact your insurance company and report the accident, and clearly state that it is for INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY...then if she claims you can tell your company that it was her fault and that you will counterclaim off her,(do you have her details) and also inform them that in no circumstances are you liable or at fault..

 

[Ryann]

Hi Xtractorfan, I think I will do exactly what you have just said. It makes practical sense.

 

[Xtractorfan]

Furthermore you should have legal assistance with your insurance, who should fight your case for you (check with your broker) tho in my humble opinion these add on legal things are slow and not very efficient..let us know how you progress and we shall try and keep you right..

 

[Ryann]

Thanks. Will do.

 

[Ryann]

Update, I did inform the insurance company. The other lady has so far not made a claim as I expected. I also got the damadge fixed for £300. All in all I think it was better and probably less hassle than making a claim against the other lady. Thanks for your advice.