Help need after car my car was crashed into

[divadeb]

Hello,

just wanted some advice.

 

 

I was coming home from work when the car in front of me indicated to turn right,

I was behind the car, not moving when I was hit from behind.

 

 

My cars bumper was smashed and I also have a massive dent in the car.

The guy admitted it was his fault and asked if he could just pay for the damage

as he had only had the car insured for 4 weeks.

I said ok and took his details.

 

 

I have had the cost of the work to be done and he want to pay when the work is done,

I've said no it needs paying first or I might end up with the bill.

 

 

He can't afford to hire me a car for work as he said he also has to pay for his car to be mended.

 

 

Do I go through insurance or carry on with the arrangement.

 

 

Thanks any advice will be great.

Edited June 24, 2015 by divadeb
Wrong wording

[angrycrow]

You have not said what your car is or where the dent is.

 

Assuming an average hatchback with damage above the bumper and to the tailgate (rear panel likely damaged as well and possible boot floor intrusion) and a smashed bumper I would expect repairs from an acredited repairer to be in excess of £1000. It may be cheaper to get it done cash in hand at a local repairer or save money by using second hand parts but why bother when the accident was not your fault.

 

As you have already hinted at you will also need alternative transport whilst yours is being repaired. The other driver is already quibbling over the costs and refusing hire costs so what chance is there he will actually pay up once repaired.

 

Go to ASK MID and pay your £4 to do an insurer search on his registration which will give you the policy number and contact details for his insurers. Report it to them and let them chase him for a report.

[SabreSheep]

I would be demanding his insurance details and going through HIS insurance, not yours

[divadeb]

My car is a Ford Focus zetec, he has smashed the back right bumper and dented directly above number. The damage to his car was left front bumper and big dent above bumper. I have tried to sort out borrowing a family members car but they are using it for work, but I don't see why I should be messing about sorting out transport when he's clearly not bothered. I have informed my insurance company of what happened and they have gone through a form with me. I gave them all the drivers details and they have found out who he is insured with. If I go through insurance will I lose my no claims and will I have to pay the excess. I have never made a claim in my 20 years of driving so it's a bit of a grey area for me. Thanks again.

[MaxxPower]

Assuming you have fully comp insurance, then you wont lose your no claims as the other driver was at fault. He's admitted as much and, since he hit you from behind, the insurance companies will more or less automatically deem him liable. You might have to pay your excess at first, but then will get it back when the other drivers insurance pays up. This seems to vary depending on the insurance company though. Some people I've read about have had to pay the excess then get it back, but when someone reversed into me a few years ago, I didn't have to pay my excess. I just got a courtesy car delivered and mine was taken away at the same time for repair and then I got my car back, that was that, no payout at all from my end of things.

You will however notice a slight premium increase. The Insurance companies will insist that because you had an accident that was in no way your fault, you are somehow more likely to have another accident in future.

 

Personally, I'd go through the insurance. I don't think I'd ever trust a "Oh just get it repaired and I'll pay" arrangement. That to me generally screams either "I have no insurance", "I'm not supposed to be driving this car because it's stolen/borrowed without permission", or "I wont pay and by the time you realise it'll be too late and I'll have scarpered"

[Conniff]

I believe the law says he must give you his insurance details, so insist on them.

 

 

Have you got his car reg etc ?

[divadeb]

I am fully comprehensive with my insurance. I think it's a bit harsh that my insurance premium might go up though. Im now thinking just go with the insurance claim

[divadeb]

I have all his details Conniff, and my insurance people also have them.

[renegadeimp]

Forget what the guy said. Youve given him a chance, he;s trying to worm out of it. Get those details, send it to your insurer and let him learn a harsh lesson.

[divadeb]

I have just been texting him and I get the feeling he thinks I've made up the price of the repairs. He said he's protecting his own interests and said he doesn't know me to trust me ...... Flipping cheek I'm the one bending over backwards to help him ggggggrrrrrrrrr.

[renegadeimp]

Then stop. Contact your insurer and let them deal with it now.

[divadeb]

All your advice is very much appreciated, will ring insurance people in the morning. Should I tell him what I'm doing or just leave it?

[MaxxPower]

Just leave it, you've given him enough chances. Get onto the insurance and get it done properly.