Minor accident - should I report?

Jimbo Mahoney · 27 Jun 2021 at 15:25

Just had a minor scuff with someone and not my fault.

He's stuck behind a car turning right at lights and decided to pull into my lane without warning.

He's basically stationary and I'm doing about 20 mph in the left lane.

His front arch grazed my rear arch - mostly his plastic on my paintwork.

99% of the scuff rubs off, but there some very minor scratches.

Got his details (well, only first name, phone number, licence plate) and photos of the damage and he's admitted fault (although I realise that can count for nothing).

I'm not going to bother pursuing it as the damage is so minor and my car's old anyway.

My only concern is if he decides for some reason to claim to his insurer that it's MY fault (basically the exact opposite of the truth!) and start playing silly beggars.

How do I cover myself against this?

Do I report to the police and my insurance company that there has been an incident but that I don't intend to take any action?

Hyburnate · 27 Jun 2021 at 15:33

Yes as per the T&Cs of your insurance agreement you should report it and give your version of events to your insurers, however, you were be required to make this information when taking out insurance again and it will cause your premiums to go up.

Jimbo Mahoney · 27 Jun 2021 at 15:36

Hyburnate said:
Yes as per the T&Cs of your insurance agreement you should report it and give your version of events to your insurers, however, you were be required to make this information when taking out insurance again and it will cause your premiums to go up.

Eurgh. So even though it's not my fault and I'm not making a claim my premiums go up?

tom_e · 27 Jun 2021 at 15:46

Jimbo Mahoney said:
Eurgh. So even though it's not my fault and I'm not making a claim my premiums go up?

They can go up, mine went down even with adding an at fault claim last year.

Haze · 27 Jun 2021 at 16:04

Jimbo Mahoney said:
Eurgh. So even though it's not my fault and I'm not making a claim my premiums go up?

Just notifying them should not effect anything, if a claim was made, then it would

Zeebedy · 27 Jun 2021 at 16:11

Some ******* hit me back in 18’, car was a write off, but my premium still went up about 5%

Drangueos · 27 Jun 2021 at 16:46

I had an accident in 2017 that was not my fault and it didn't change the price of my insurance, neither on car or bike policy.
So if you wanna be on the safe side, you should declare it.

CD32 · 27 Jun 2021 at 16:56

Mine went up when I made a claim for an accident that wasn't my fault. I guess you could go to an insurance comparison site & add your details as if you were renewing your insurance...details being one with the incident declared & one without..& see any difference with both results.

Hyburnate · 27 Jun 2021 at 17:51

CD32 said:
Mine went up when I made a claim for an accident that wasn't my fault. I guess you could go to an insurance comparison site & add your details as if you were renewing your insurance...details being one with the incident declared & one without..& see any difference with both results.

You'll get a phone call from the insurer, they log that sort of stuff.

DB_SamX · 27 Jun 2021 at 17:57

I think best report it if you think there is a risk they will do so.

Nasher · 27 Jun 2021 at 17:57

I probably wouldn't with something so minor.

CD32 · 27 Jun 2021 at 18:05

Hyburnate said:
You'll get a phone call from the insurer, they log that sort of stuff.

I never have? You're just getting a quote from a variety of insurers using amended details..nothing written in ink.

Deleted member 77746 · 27 Jun 2021 at 18:08

when you say minor was it just a scratch? a scratch I tell thee

Begbie · 27 Jun 2021 at 18:11

Haze said:
Just notifying them should not effect anything, if a claim was made, then it would

If only it was true. Mine refused to insure me after reporting a non fault incident.

CD32 · 27 Jun 2021 at 18:16

Begbie said:
If only it was true. Mine refused to insure me after reporting a non fault incident.

I think it's classed as if you're involved in an accident that you wasn't to blame for..then you're more likely to be involved in further accidents. Ie....even though you wasn't to blame..could you have averted the accident if younger & saw it coming ...more alert..etc etc...read something about this somewhere once but don't quote me.

watercooledman · 27 Jun 2021 at 18:18

Either way your premium will be going up fault or no fault

Be a 50/50

Pentland · 27 Jun 2021 at 19:03

Yes you have to inform insurance and the rub (excuse the pun) will be you’ll need to declare the accident for several years

Hyburnate · 27 Jun 2021 at 19:32

CD32 said:
I never have? You're just getting a quote from a variety of insurers using amended details..nothing written in ink.

Then you're lucky, many insurers will notice and question why, it's not exactly something most people would question unless they've actually had an accident, it's not unheard of for them to send someone round to the house address and inspect the vehicle.

ivrytwr3 · 27 Jun 2021 at 19:35

Get a quote for the repairs and see if he wants to pay it - if not, then that is the only time i would get the insurance involved.

Hades · 27 Jun 2021 at 20:20

Haze said:
Just notifying them should not effect anything, if a claim was made, then it would

Sadly not true. My premium went up after a non fault claim directly on a driver who hit my parked car. I claimed against their insurance directly and simply informed my own.

If you have any accident, regardless of fault or claim, then statistically you are more likely to have another one.

The OP is required to inform his insurance company. But most people won't do it, for this very reason.