Trace number plate to address?

Buchanan0204 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:02

Is the only way via the dvla? V888

Long story short. Came out of a private car park today and there was a huge dent in my car door, an old guy standing there and told me he seen the car that did it, said it looked half malicious and he took there number plate for me.

I was only away 5 minutes!

I'd rather not go to the police if I can resolve the issue myself. Police wouldn't do anything without proof anyway. No CCTV in car park either... Typical.

I'm determined to find the guy!

PMKeates · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:10

V888 it

The 'reasonable causes' to release data are listed here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/data/rc.aspx

They include:

DfT said:
Data release from the DVLA vehicle register is sometimes used to resolve incidents involving vehicles. For instance, it can:

Help trace the keeper of a vehicle involved in a minor hit and run incident that does not warrant a full police investigation. This could include personal injury or damage to a vehicle or property;

Buchanan0204 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:14

PMKeates said:
V888 it

The 'reasonable causes' to release data are listed here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/data/rc.aspx

They include:

Excellent. What's the success rate? I'd hate to be knocked back.

PMKeates · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:20

I'd like to think high, but I've honestly no idea!

Jay794 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:20

So you find the guy who did it, and what? knock on his door and say "excuse me, would you kindly pay for the damage?" that won't end well

PMKeates · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:22

Jay794 said:
So you find the guy who did it, and what? knock on his door and say "excuse me, would you kindly pay for the damage?" that won't end well

Firstly, yes. Then secondly, threaten to sue him?

Jay794 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:34

PMKeates said:
Firstly, yes. Then secondly, threaten to sue him?

But you have no proof?

Buchanan0204 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:35

Jay794 said:
So you find the guy who did it, and what? knock on his door and say "excuse me, would you kindly pay for the damage?" that won't end well

I'm not a fan of walking through life taking it from behind.

Buchanan0204 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:36

Jay794 said:
But you have no proof?

He doesn't know that.

PMKeates · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:37

Jay794 said:
But you have no proof?

Presuming the guy doesn't repair the car quickly, he can turn up and see some of his paint on the car. Add that to the independant witness who so it all so clearly has remembered the number plate, and I think you'd be hard pushed to defend that.

Buchanan0204 said:
He doesn't know that.

And yes, that! You can claim you have CCTV etc. He will almost instantly presume there's some evidence if you manage to find him - how would you get his address if there was no record?

Buchanan0204 · 3 Jun 2012 at 13:41

PMKeates said:
Presuming the guy doesn't repair the car quickly, he can turn up and see some of his paint on the car. Add that to the independant witness who so it all so clearly has remembered the number plate, and I think you'd be hard pushed to defend that.And yes, that! You can claim you have CCTV etc. He will almost instantly presume there's some evidence if you manage to find him - how would you get his address if there was no record?

I like you haha! One of the few guys on here who post sensibly.

Jay794 · 3 Jun 2012 at 15:17

Well good luck getting him to pay for it, personally, without me seeing any video evidence, I'd tell you where to stick it.

However, I probably would have owned up in the first place

Meatball · 3 Jun 2012 at 15:40

Good luck, update the thread.

Janesy B · 3 Jun 2012 at 15:48

Jay794 said:
But you have no proof?

So you'd just drop it and pay for the damage to be repaired out of your own pocket even when you have an independent witness?

Meridian · 3 Jun 2012 at 15:50

Buchanan0204 said:
He doesn't know that.

He's going to find out pretty soon when the first thing he says to you after you say "You hit my car", is "Prove it!"

M

Jay794 · 3 Jun 2012 at 16:38

Janesy B said:
So you'd just drop it and pay for the damage to be repaired out of your own pocket even when you have an independent witness?

Well it's either that, get an insurance pay out (hardly worth it) or confront the guy and potentially end up with a fist shaped indentation in your face.

If (which I doudt) such a minor incident made it to court you might win, why bother with all the hassle

Buchanan0204 · 3 Jun 2012 at 17:31

Jay794 said:
Well it's either that, get an insurance pay out (hardly worth it) or confront the guy and potentially end up with a fist shaped indentation in your face.

If (which I doudt) such a minor incident made it to court you might win, why bother with all the hassle

What gives you the impression this guys tony soprano and he will be throwing punches.

ARD · 3 Jun 2012 at 17:42

Few things to consider. If you find whoever hit your car then you are already dealing with a **** head who has no respect for other's. Accidents happen, but he/she drove off. You find where they live, go round and it gets a bit naughty. You can handle yourself, but some people will haunt you for ages as they consider it entertainment.

Bottom line is, someone damaged your car, and you are mad as **** about it as we all would be, and whoever did it should pay for the repair etc. Sad thing is the world is full of people who really don't care about other's property.

It's your call, but think before you act, weigh up the situation etc...ultimately it's your call.

DB_SamX · 3 Jun 2012 at 17:48

Meridian said:
He's going to find out pretty soon when the first thing he says to you after you say "You hit my car", is "Prove it!"

M

Valid point, but the OP can say he doesn't have to show it to him, but will file a claim via small courts and to wait to it to unravel. The chap might decide it's not worth it and pay up or might call his bluff. Either way, he'll have a few sleepless nights wondering about it. Op hasn't got anything to lose other than a small fee.

Personally, I would do it.

OP, if there is some paint on his car, do take a few photos and also measure the height of the impact area from the ground, so it can be matched to your dent.

Worth bearing in mind that the old guy might have said it looked malicious but it might have been accidental after all.

LeMson · 3 Jun 2012 at 18:42

Could it also be the independant witness, and they have simply given you a number plate of a car that drove past?