Would you suck this up or go through insurance?

[Redblanky]

DS 21 so still on expensive insurance, although been driving since he was 19yo with no accidents.

On his way home in the snow, he'd stopped.to drop off a colleague (so was stationary, she had one leg out of the car) when a van skidded into the back of him.

DS did all the right things, took photos including number plate, swapped numbers and rang the number to check it was correct. Only minor damage so he agreed to get a quote and settle it privately.

He struggled over Christmas to find a garage and get a quote but has done so now. £125, very reasonable IMO. No one could have expected less for any kind of damage?

Anyway, he's tried to get back in touch with the driver and he's not picking up/responding to messages.

So for £125 would you let it go or persue the other driver through insurance. I don't think there can be any doubt who was at fault and DS does have a witness in his colleague, but you never know and I believe it will affect his premiums, even if he's not judged at fault?

I know he should tell the insurance anyway, but I don't think most people would.

Wwyd?

I have a working knowledge of vehicle insurance as work in the industry.

Even if a accident isn't your fault it will unfortunately still affect your next years premium;it will increase it as a claim is on the policy regardless of fault.Your son is still a young driver and will continue to be the victim of increased premiums due to age until he's twenty five.

Realistically I'd leave it for the sake of £125.

*worked

A good lesson for him. Never trust the stranger who hits you.

I know, but what should he have done differently? He did everything he could to establish the details were correct. Even if they hadn't discussed a private settlement, he'd still be in this position where for a relatively small sum he'll face increased premiums. He could still do that.

I know, but what should he have done differently?

Given the details to his insurance company.

Did he even notify them?

No because he know if he does he'll face increased premiums even if they all agree it wasn't his fault. Would you for £125?

And he could still do that now if he decides that's the right course of action.

No because he know if he does he'll face increased premiums even if they all agree it wasn't his fault. Would you for £125?

The figure is irrelevant because he didn't know how much it would cost snd he is supposed to notify them. And yes, yes I would tell my insurer.

Well the advice from someone in the industry above was not to.

And he could still do that now if he decides that's the right course of action.

Actually he may find an increase in his excess if he hadn't notified them within the time specified.

One of the underwriters I dealt with a few years back specified 24 hours to notify or the excess would increase to £1000.

Probably unlikely to happen in this case, but with knowing all the same.