Had a bump, need advice on how to proceed.

ZG002 · 29 Oct 2013 at 15:19

Hi,

On my way to work this morning, I go to pull away at some lights but some how stalled so didn't move off :/. Split second later a transit van plows into the back of me. It's only a p11 primera so is effectively a write off as the back is a fair old mess.

I got the guys name, address, phone number and van reg. He told me to settle outside of insurance but I need a car ASAP for work. I haven't called him to pursue this.

My question is, Do I call my insurance? Or am I likely to have hassle this route? Would a third party company be a better bet? Never been in an accident before so not sure which is the best way to go about getting my car repaired or a pay out for my car the quickest.

I have fully comp insurance but not courtesy car cover from memory.

Any advice will be appreciated, Thanks.

acemastr · 29 Oct 2013 at 16:54

He's not going to buy you a new car, definitely go through insurance

bJN · 29 Oct 2013 at 16:55

You're obliged to tell your insurance provider if you're in an accident, whether you wish to claim or not! Ideally you'd want to go through his insurance company to get it sorted, but I gather from the above you didn't get his insurance details?

If that's the case, then your insurance is the way to go I guess...

breadturbo · 29 Oct 2013 at 17:54

The worry here, is increased premiums may cost more than the cars worth?

ZG002 · 29 Oct 2013 at 17:58

Yeah, car is worth 500. Have called the guy and got his insurance company name, apparently he is going to call back with more details.

He had bull bars on the front of his van so it's ruined the bumper, tail gate, lights and it seems the rear slam panel (is that a thing?) where the lock hatch lives seems to be bent in towards the boot, Can't open the boot. I fear repair costs will be too large for him to want to actually pay them, it's not a £100 job.

bledd · 29 Oct 2013 at 17:59

Is it just the bumper? Or is it a proper right off?

-edit, light of the above, a new bumper won't sort this..

ZG002 · 29 Oct 2013 at 18:07

Wish it was just a bumper lol. I'd of took some money and changed it, even if it was just tail gate, bumper and a couple lights I'd fix it, but it's fairly bent from what I can see.

Iamzod · 29 Oct 2013 at 18:22

breadturbo said:
The worry here, is increased premiums may cost more than the cars worth?

Only sometimes, I have had a non-fault write off in 2010 and didn't suffer any increased premiums.

breadturbo · 29 Oct 2013 at 18:36

I had one in March, a guy in a mini tried to go left in the right lane of a roundabout and 'didn't see' my lwb minibus stationary beside him.
My premium is up £170 this year.(renewed on friday)

Jonny ///M · 29 Oct 2013 at 19:03

For that value of car I'd try and get £500 cash out of him and source a new car.