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Original poster

Had an accident in driving instructors car - he said I have to pay for it

590 replies

Yupbabs · 15/03/2023 14:48

A question for uk learner drivers

I had a driving lesson today and I had an accident, I took the wing mirror off when passing a parked car. Instructor said he’ll try to lower the price as much as possible but he’ll be in touch with how much I need to pay. Is this right? Do I need to pay? My previous driving instructor said if there was an accident then his insurance covers the damage

I feel like he’s trying to con me. This was the first lesson I ever had with the guy, I had about 50 lessons with my other instructor and he made sure I didn’t have any accidents by using the dual control. This guy today just tilted the steering wheel away from the parked car and it still hit it.

OP posts:
HJ40 · 15/03/2023 14:50

I'm no expert but that doesn't sound right to me, I would have thought his insurance would cover it.

What Ts and Cs did you sign up to?

Woodywasatwat · 15/03/2023 14:52

I did the same when I was a learner. Never heard a thing about it. Their insurance would pay for it.

Ihatethenewlook · 15/03/2023 14:53

Um, no. This is what insurance is for! You don’t pay a penny!

CremeEggThief · 15/03/2023 14:53

If he's a member of a driving school check with them, or failing that there must be some regulatory body for driving instructors who you can check with, surely?

dementedpixie · 15/03/2023 14:53

Sounds a bit dodgy to me

LadyHaHaHeeHaw · 15/03/2023 14:54

He doesn't have insurance for the biggest risk his business has ?
I call bollocks

viques · 15/03/2023 14:54

If he was steering then surely he is the one who is responsible for the accident.

ThrowAwayOne · 15/03/2023 14:54

Accidents were definitely covered when I was learning as I asked specifically about them when I started as I was so nervous.

Sounds like he's chancing his arm!

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 15/03/2023 14:54

That sounds very weird, OP. I would expect his insurance to pay for it.

Do you have a contract?

Squamata · 15/03/2023 14:54

I don't think that's right at all. Whoever is supervising the learner is liable for damage. Don't pay him and find another instructor.

Thatwastheweekthatwasnt · 15/03/2023 14:55

As the instructor and the only full licence holder he's liable for the accident surely?

Squamata · 15/03/2023 14:55

He should have been sufficiently in control to ensure that happened, it would be covered on his insurance but like anyone his insurance premiums would go up if he claimed - so likely he'd pay it out of pocket to avoid this and he's trying to get it out of you instead of paying himself.

Blossomandbee · 15/03/2023 14:56

If he's a proper driving instructor be should have business insurance to cover it. Sounds like he either he doesn't have the right insurance, or he's trying to not go through his insurance company. Either way you shouldn't have to pay.

RoseApothacary · 15/03/2023 14:56

My driving instructor was really on the ball and would grab the steering wheel if I ever got too close to other vehicles. Although you were driving the car, the instructor is ultimately responsible for what you do. This should be covered by their insurance.

RachelGreensHair · 15/03/2023 14:58

Cheeky mare.

bigbluebus · 15/03/2023 14:58

Sounds like he's trying to avoid claiming on his insurance as it's just a wing mirror. Maybe he's had a few too many claims - in which case you need to find yourself another (decent) instructor.

Catapultaway · 15/03/2023 15:05

I would expect it to be covered by insurance, but will depend on what his terms and conditions were and if you signed anything. No doubt he may have an excess to pay.

Good luck with the rest of your lessons

Xant · 15/03/2023 15:05

Don’t pay him.

His hand was on the steering wheel, he has foot pedals including a brake, he was the only person in the car with a full driving licence, the accident is 100% his responsibility.

You did not have an accident, HE did. He was telling you where to go and what to do, this is on him.

Message him saying that all driving instructors should have insurance that covers all damage to the car and that you will not be paying. Then block him
and find yourself a new instructor.

Original poster
Yupbabs · 15/03/2023 15:06

@HJ40 i didn’t see any terms and conditions. I just emailed the driving school, they said one of their instructors will get back to me and then he messaged me and arranged a lesson and that was it

OP posts:
Hellsbells89 · 15/03/2023 15:07

Sounds like he's avoiding going through his insurance. Definitely not for you to be paying and I'd never use him again. Sounds like a proper dodgy instructor! Tell him to use his insurance and you owe him nothing and you'll be writing a review!

Original poster
Yupbabs · 15/03/2023 15:07

@CremeEggThief i have emailed the driving school because it all seems so dodgy

OP posts:
Forestdweller11 · 15/03/2023 15:07

Instructors insurance should pay. It might be it's under his excess so not wanting to declare but that's what insurance is for and part of the reason why driving instructors charge a shed load of money.

But I will comment (as someone who took 3 attempts to pass driving test) about your driving - if you've already had loads of lessons and you still swiped someones wing mirror I'd think some self reflection on your skills is in order. You won't always have the luxury of dual controls and an instructor ready to step in and assist.

Original poster
Yupbabs · 15/03/2023 15:09

@Catapultaway i didn’t see any terms and conditions. I just emailed the driving school, they said one of their instructors will get back to me and then he messaged me and arranged a lesson and that was it

and thank you

OP posts:
IAmAlreadyRegrettingMyGreyColourScheme · 15/03/2023 15:09

This doesn't sound right. I agree with pp that he's trying to avoid claiming on his insurance.
Driving lessons are expensive because you're paying towards the insurance so you're covered in the event of an accident. Tell him he'll have to claim off his insurance & find a new (better) instructor.

CremeEggThief · 15/03/2023 15:10

Yupbabs, you do right. Stick to your guns and find another driving instructor, as he has ruined your trust now.