Would you bother reporting a smashed/scuffed mirror?

Tinders · 21 Sep 2018 at 19:13

Hi Guys,

Living on a main road for many years, has meant that ive put up with mirrors being clipped all the time. Mine got done again today, and luckily my recently installed CCTV just about caught the person in the act.

The mirror glass survived but the rear casing went flying up the road. Thankfully a neighbour clocked it and picked it up. So the damage is just scuffing really. Im in 2 minds to report the bloke (van driver), as its a company car im shielded from any premium increase, but then im thinking if its worth the hassle for something so minor.

What does OCUK reckon!

bremen1874 · 21 Sep 2018 at 19:15

If it's a company car why don't you provide your company with the details and let them decide?

UnworthyBean · 21 Sep 2018 at 19:53

Wouldn't bother imo. Unlikely to prove it was deliberate so they aren't going to chase anyone elses insurance and unless you have zero excess, the price to replace a wing mirror is probably going to be cheaper than that, so you'd just be paying for your own replacement.

With that said, do this:

bremen1874 said:
If it's a company car why don't you provide your company with the details and let them decide?

azibux1 · 21 Sep 2018 at 19:56

Being technical here... but surely even a 'claim' on a company car you have to declare as you having had a 'claim' when you buy personal car insurance?

Same as if you were to actually crash your company car and claimed on the company... surely that's also declarable? Doesn't' matter how big or small. Still "you" having had a claim?

I may be wrong, but think this is correct based on a conversation I overheard colleagues having the other day. Would be interesting to know.

Scania · 21 Sep 2018 at 20:05

Do you have the registration number of the offending vehicle? If yes, report and most likely sod all will happen, if no, forget it.

muon · 21 Sep 2018 at 20:07

azibux1 said:
Being technical here... but surely even a 'claim' on a company car you have to declare as you having had a 'claim' when you buy personal car insurance?

Same as if you were to actually crash your company car and claimed on the company... surely that's also declarable? Doesn't' matter how big or small. Still "you" having had a claim?

I may be wrong, but think this is correct based on a conversation I overheard colleagues having the other day. Would be interesting to know.

Correct. A fault claim on any car you drive needs to be declared for a new policy.

Think of it like a speeding conviction. It doesnt just apply to the car you were driving at the time.

theone8181 · 21 Sep 2018 at 20:51

muon said:
Correct. A fault claim on any car you drive needs to be declared for a new policy.

Think of it like a speeding conviction. It doesnt just apply to the car you were driving at the time.

Didn't realise that (not that it affects me). Surely the easiest solution is to fold your mirrors in, or are people clipping the car anyway :eek:

?

Tinders · 21 Sep 2018 at 21:17

Mirrors were folded, the fold when you lock the car! Just been and had a look at it again, one clips broken but the scuffs will polish out. But looking at the video it wasn’t a genuine oops moment, it’s a wide road and the bloke wasn’t really in control of the car, I’m guessing he was eating or on the phone.

It was a van so I have reg number and the van livery has the mobile number on it.

jpaul · 21 Sep 2018 at 21:18

Tinders said:
recently installed CCTV just about caught the person in the act.

you've got a well placed cctv - you see the impact or the aftermath - conclusive evidence ?
.... dash cams lenses would not have wide enough angle to catch wing mirror impact afaiks, but exchanging mirrors is common ime

azibux1 · 21 Sep 2018 at 21:25

muon said:
Correct. A fault claim on any car you drive needs to be declared for a new policy.

Think of it like a speeding conviction. It doesnt just apply to the car you were driving at the time.

Thanks for confirming!

Tinders · 21 Sep 2018 at 21:57

jpaul said:
you've got a well placed cctv - you see the impact or the aftermath - conclusive evidence ?
.... dash cams lenses would not have wide enough angle to catch wing mirror impact afaiks, but exchanging mirrors is common ime

Ive got 2 cameras looking out front (one looking left and one right, but over lapping in the middle) , and both catch the guy hitting the car. Im just thinking the cameras are over looking the road, which might mean they arent legal, might have to look in to that before I kick this off.

Ironic thing is that the livery on the van says it belongs to a car accident repair garage lol

Nasher · 21 Sep 2018 at 22:29

azibux1 said:
Being technical here... but surely even a 'claim' on a company car you have to declare as you having had a 'claim' when you buy personal car insurance?

Same as if you were to actually crash your company car and claimed on the company... surely that's also declarable? Doesn't' matter how big or small. Still "you" having had a claim?

I may be wrong, but think this is correct based on a conversation I overheard colleagues having the other day. Would be interesting to know.

Officially probably yes. But would I? Nope since insurers won't be able to find out. You don't carry over any no claims either.

Never volunteer information you don't have to

azibux1 · 21 Sep 2018 at 23:56

Nasher said:
Officially probably yes. But would I? Nope since insurers won't be able to find out. You don't carry over any no claims either.

Never volunteer information you don't have to

True... this is what I was getting at without saying it lol. You should, but whether you do or not is up to you

theone8181 · 22 Sep 2018 at 06:48

So if you drove a bus for your job, and had an accident you'd have to declare it on your personal car insurance? Seems odd to me.

Kaeo · 22 Sep 2018 at 07:46

Why would you find that odd? The risk calculation is of you as a driver, regardless of what you're driving. Is it nonsensical insurance rubbish? I think so, but that's how it is.

skyripper · 22 Sep 2018 at 08:00

I'd be ringing that number, quoting the reg and saying "I've got CCTV of your driver smashing my mirror off thru bad driving - what are you going to do about it?"

Hades · 22 Sep 2018 at 08:33

muon said:
Correct. A fault claim on any car you drive needs to be declared for a new policy.

Think of it like a speeding conviction. It doesnt just apply to the car you were driving at the time.

Any claim and any accident 'should' be reported to your insurance company. This includes non-fault claims and even claims you make directly on the other parties insurance company. In theory not declaring it could harm your own future claims if they are found out. Its in the T&C's of most policies because your own insurance company wants to understand your risk profile.

adidan · 22 Sep 2018 at 08:36

skyripper said:
I'd be ringing that number, quoting the reg and saying "I've got CCTV of your driver smashing my mirror off thru bad driving - what are you going to do about it?"

^ Agree with this.

If it's by an accident repair company get them to repair it and mention/show them the CCTV. I'm sure mentioning putting it on your social accounts may get them to be friendly about it.

muon · 22 Sep 2018 at 08:41

Hades said:
Any claim and any accident 'should' be reported to your insurance company. This includes non-fault claims and even claims you make directly on the other parties insurance company. In theory not declaring it could harm your own future claims if they are found out. Its in the T&C's of most policies because your own insurance company wants to understand your risk profile.

I don't know if that applies to all insurance compnies so I stayed away from making a blanket statement. Especially when considering a new policy via renewal. Fault claims safe to say they would want to know.

Hades · 22 Sep 2018 at 08:45

muon said:
I don't know if that applies to all insurance compnies so I stayed away from making a blanket statement. Especially when consudering a new policy via renewal.

True. Not all companies insist on it but many do. I pointed it out because its very relevant here. If the OP makes a small claim on someone elses insurance it may cost him more money in the long run.