Mumsnet Talk

I am having such a bad day - earlier thread about a parking ticket and now have had white van man shunt my car! Very minor - didn't, thankfully push me into car in front and there is no damage to my car. But, can someone tell me what I am supposed to do?! I got out of the car as did other driver. He asked me if I was ok and suggested we pull up onto pavement which we did. We both then agreed no damage to my car, but I indicated the damage to his and he said well that was his fault. I didn't have a pen to take any details and he said neither did he so we'd just leave it. I got back in my car and realised I'd a rubbish camera in the glove for exactly these sort of circs. I got out again and asked him if he minded if I took a photo of the damage to his vehicle and he said no, so I did and then we both just went off.

A friend says I am supposed to tell the Police to cover myself. Is that right? No idea if the photo will come out (should have the reg on if it does), but if it doesn't, I have no other details.

I have a horrible feeling I have handled this very badly! What should I be doing now?

No requirement to notify the police due to it being a damage only rtc with no injuries and no damage to street furniture (lamp post etc).

I would perhaps mention it to your insurance company just in case there is damage to the inside of your car which isn't immediately obvious. You should have really exchanged details in case of any problems - could you not have put something into your mobile?

Thanks for replying. You are right of course re the mobile - just couldn't think straight!

Unless there is damage don't tell your insurance company. They may put it on your record as an accident and it will increase your insurance renewal, even though it wasn't your fault.

Agree with nocake. Even an accident where no damage and no claim and other persons fault, if notified will probably increase your insurance, happened to my DS.

No need to report to the police as no injuries and no law broken.

If you mean by shunt and the driver hit the back of your car, there will be no come back as he is totally to blame.

If your car shows no physical damage on the outside basically there will be no 'hidden' damage. Electrics are at the front anyway and well protected. Rear end shunts of high impact will damage the chassis but if there is no outward damage its not possible to damage the chassis.

For future reference read up on what you are meant to do and keep a note of it in your car (exchange details, photos, witnesses etc)

If your car is still pristine, congratulate yourself on getting away lightly and have a

Thanks - I'll check my policy document as to what insurers expect. I was going to gather papers together to copy to keep a set in the car. Guess what? Can't find my driving licence. Going slowly mad here - off to bed now. Thanks again all for the help.

I had nearly £2000 worth of damage behind an unblemished bumper on a Clio after a low speed rear end shunt, because so many bumpers are plastic they don't always show damage. I would at the very least pop to a reputable garage to ask them to put it upon ramps to have a look underneath, just in case... As as it was the other drivers fault you shouldn't lose out financially if you need to claim.

Oooh, just back on here - will do that MrsMagnolia, but have already logged with insurer and told them I won't be making a claim. Ho hum. (The car seems to be running fine and my shopping bags haven't fallen out of the bottom of the boot (yet!)).

I also checked in with my local police station, because I am soooooo much of a worrier. I was told I shouldn't worry by a very nice man who managed to combine an air of concern and authority and he was wearing a very crisp smart uniform ...............

Agreed that you should have your local garage do a quick inspection to make sure there is no damage. Damage is not always immediately apparent on a visual inspection.