Hit another car with minor damage - next steps?

driver101

Hi all,

I was reversing from a parking spot, it was dark, rainy, windy, the area wasn't well lit. There was a car parked at the wall across from the parking space we were in (even though there were parking spaces available), from my point of view it should have been parked in a parking space and not at the wall where it was parked. But anyway. I noticed that car at the very last moment, applied the brakes but the impact happened simultaneously. There was nobody inside the other car, the owner was outside, at the other side, thankfully. No paint damage, cracks or dents on either cars from impact, a part of the side of our car popped out very slightly, literally by less than a cm, but we were able to push it back in place with one hand immediately, no probs.

The other car seemed to have a slight front bumper dislodgment on one side, right below the "wing", that was the only damage, it wasn't dented or cracked, just slightly dislodged. There was already a little crack by his bumper, we asked if we'd caused that, he said it was already there, which it looked like it was as there appeared, very faintly, to be some glue stuff on it. His car is a few years old, about 15, our car is new. We exchanged names, phone numbers and insurance details (he took a photo of our insurance details and we did likewise), we also took a photo of the damage to his car, we told the owner that the insurance will take care of the damage but he suggested that we can try to settle without insurance involvement, he said he knows some mechanics (probably so he can try to get a quote on fixing it). It's our first car, first insurance policy, on N plates, only had it for a few months.

We find it a little confusing (as we've never had to deal with anything like this before), do we still need to contact our insurer even though there may not be a claim through the insurer? But we're thinking if we do then our next insurance premium will go up on renewal - even if we haven't made a claim but have informed them of an accident.

If we settle the repair cost ourselves (our policy excess is about €300 anyway) can the other party still try to make a claim at the later stage? And if he does get back to us with a quote, don't want to sound too cynical or anything but how do we know it's not say, well, 50% of the repair cost for the mechanic and 50% for him, if you catch our drift.

What would be the best course of action on our part in this situation? We're ready to settle it one way or another, not that we have a choice, but just trying to figure out the safest option. Thanks a mil.

JVince

Everyone will tell you to make a report to the insurance company.

Don't.

It will stay as a potential claim for two years and will always be on your record. It will immediately cost you in relation to no claims bonus and being unable to move insurers for two years.

No-one was in the car, so no chance of a personal injuries claim and the guy seems decent.

If there is any damage it will be minor. Cost will be likely be low. Settle without involving the insurance.

Btw - it is of no consequence where or how he was parked, you should scan the area before getting into your car and know of any hazards

Sono

Settle privately if you want, if that is not affordable I would let insurance company deal with it, that’s what it’s there for.

Sono

Also just to say if the third party wants to go through your insurance then there’s nothing you can do about it, it’s their choice what way this gets settled not yours.

Eggs For Dinner

Some points.

The excess on your policy does not apply to 3rd party claims. If it goes through your insurance, it will be paid in full

If you are settling privately, you either pay the estimate provided or leave it to your insurers. You have no say in where the 3rd party gets his repair done. If you go through your insurance, they will verify if it is reasonable

If you settle privately, get a discharge letter signed by the other person. Insurers will not keep an incident open on a simple claim like this beyond the time it takes you to settle with the 3rd party, if that's the route you take

Your premium will not increase at subsequent renewals if nothing has been paid out. When obtaining alternative quotes, you declare an accident, but you have not had a claim. It should not affect quotes.

My advice, as a claims handler with many decades in the business, is always advise your insurer if you have ANY doubts about the person you are dealing with

kirk.

I would always notify insurance

They have your insurance details