Car Insurance claim help

[cavokkid]

I have received a form to complete from my car insurance company. It claims I hit another car on a roundabout. It is asking me for the details, however I am unsure of what information I should provide.

 

THE INCIDENT:

Dark, raining and approaching a roundabout on a two lane road, wanting to turn left onto another two lane road. The car on the left hand lane waiting to enter the roundabout is at a standstill, no indicators on, and no other oncoming traffic on the roundabout. I assumed it has stalled, or broken down. I decided to move to the right hand lane and turn left in front of it.

 

As I do so, this car lurches forward and starts following me down the new road flashing their lights. I stop and they claim I hit them on the roundabout. No damage to my car. They want to call the police, I do not object. Eventualy they decide not to wait and I give my details.

 

I was neither aware that an accident took place, or had any damage to my car. But now I have been sent an insurance form to complete.

 

What would be my advisable stance on completing the form. Whilst I accept I turned left from the right hand lane, I was completely unaware that any collision had happened, nor is there any visible damage to my car.

[buzby]

Did you see any damage on their car? (As if they told you you hit them, it is normal to check the points of impact on both vehicles).

 

If I do not hear the sound of contact, then I certainly do not provide my details. Why did you?

 

As your insurer is asking for details - just tell them what you explained here. It can just as easily be a fraudulent attempt at a payout at your expense, so I wouldn't worry unduly.

[crem]

Like buzby suggests, I would point out that you drove around what you believed to be a broken down car and that you do not believe any contact took place. Furthermore you believe this to be a fraudulent claim with the 3rd party deliberately parking there in order to "claim" a passing vehicle hit it.

 

The insurance companies really hate insurance [problematic] and I am sure they will go to town inverstigating this and I wouldn't worry unduly at the moment.

[cavokkid]

Thanks, but what would be the consequences to me if I claim it to be a [problem], but I did actually scrape this car?

[buzby]

What you believe it to be is actually irrelevant. You pay your insurance company to act on your behalf in matters of public liability whilst motoring. If you did scrape the car in the instance described, then it would be up to the insurers to decide - on the balance of probabilities - whether this was a [problem], and they'll undertake their own enquiries as to the claim history of the other party.

 

In making your accident report, all you need to is advise of your suspicions, and if a decent company, will do the rest. I wouldn't be surprised if they pressed for an 'own settlement' solution - they pay for yours, and their insurers pays for theirs.

[The Guv.]

I'd call your insurance company and tell them that you are unaware of any accident and that your car has no damage. You should ask where you stand with legal cover too.

 

I believe, unless they can prove that you were involved in an accident that was your fault, they can't involve you.

[cavokkid]

Thanks. I have done exactly that. I now assume it will be entirely up to the insurance companies to determine involvement.

[ClampingKing]

You know what they say about assumption be the mother of all f*** ups.

 

Assume nothing. Ask in writing, get a reply in writing.