Car accident with uninsured driver.

[Stickly]

Today we (I was a passenger) pulled out of a car park and a car reversed into my side door. There is a large dent and deep scratch in the door, the door is difficult to open/close, and there Is damage to paintwork above front wheel. The whole door needs replace basically.
Now, at the time things were a bit heated as we had our child in the car and we said we will get insurance details messaged over. Suffice to say this did not happen and after a bit of digging it transpires he is uninsured.
I feel so torn here for the young driver as I'm sure it will mean a ban. We did get an estimate from our garage for approx £5000 and said if this could be provided today then we would leave it at that. We have been guilt tripped by the boys parents and I think they don't believe our quote. I have checked with others and the quote sounds right.
I'm looking for reassurance here. I feel terribly guilty but also angered that my child was endangered. Should we have let this be dealt with privately? Do you think the quote is correct? It's all very difficult as we see these people regularly but I think the parents loyalty to their son is clouding their judgement .

Please, please go through insurance and not private. If needs be block the phone number.

They need to learn that driving an uninsured car has consequences, especially for an inexperienced 17 year old. Hopefully it will make him think more about his driving style. Next time it could be a child.

If he is 17 how would have had a previous policy? He probably just stopped paying.

Maybe he had it insured as a learner and didn't change it when he passed his test? The former - because you're under supervision is lot less than the latter.

I'm looking for reassurance here. I feel terribly guilty but also angered that my child was endangered. Should we have let this be dealt with privately? Do you think the quote is correct? It's all very difficult as we see these people regularly but I think the parents loyalty to their son is clouding their judgement

Yabu ridiculous about the endangerment. Your kid isn't any more endangered than if you were hit by someone with insurance.

Same as not sorting insurance details on the spot because you had your child with you. Wtaf.

As for 5k to replace a door, if I were the boys parents I wouldn't entertain paying unless you came with 3 separate quotes, and I got my own.

Yanbu to bypass insurance companies though as they are the biggest scam going, second to nurseries imo.

Jesus, don't feel guilty! Little sod needs to pay up.

Totally agree.

I can understand reluctance at reporting a neighbour's child. But....

His driving was an accident waiting to happen.

A £5000 repair isn't just dent removal and a quick spray.

Their disbelief of the quote (and reluctance to pay if you didn't go through the insurance? )

Their persistence at guilt tripping.

All of which mean you were right to report it.

They might also be worried the insurance. Let's say it was the parents car involved in the crash (and insured just for them) If they gave him permission to drive then they're in trouble. If they didn't give permission then he could be in trouble for car theft. A lose lose situation.

Hopefully, he’ll have to sell his car to pay for the repairs and a massive fine too, with any luck.

Claim through your insurance.
Most insurers have an "Uninsured Drivers Promise".
This means that your NCB is allowed and that the excess is waived or limited.
Tell the neighbours you are leaving it with the police and insurers. More likely than not your insurers will just write off the cost of damage if he is 17 with no means. Hopefully the police take action but that's out of your hands now.

I would go through the insurance. Neighbours son chose to drive with no insurance that isn't your problem. I think £5000 sounds steep but it would depend on the full extent of the damage . Don't forget to claim for any car seats . Your insurance should automatically replace them .

Hi op, just hoping you might have an update on this? Unfortunately my ds has had a similar accident and his insurance hadn't been renewed (he's had the requisite bollocking), again with a neighbour's insanely expensive car, we're catastrophising the outcome, if you had an update that would help us work out the next steps for him.

@Anotherfrozenpizzafortea
Did your DS cause the accident?

You might need to start your own thread for more advice

Yes he did, was hoping to hear what outcome op has before starting my own.

@Anotherfrozenpizzafortea

As your uninsured son caused the accident I would be looking at paying for all repairs, rather than your DS be reported for driving with no insurance.

Uninsured drivers are scum.

Many years ago and 17 year old.driver went into my bumper at a red light.

Now this guy was insured and I also knew his mother (teacher at my sons school-I didn't know this to begin with)

Difference here is kid and his pare ta could not have. Been more apologetic and yes we did allow him to settle outside of insurance.

When we moved and had last day at the school. The teacher came to speak w me and thanked us for allowing it to go private and commented on how much better a driver her son had become after the accident she said "it frightened him and he became a more aware driver" I never regretted allowing this

I am a bit confused as to if you have agreed to go private? (Money today?) And are now regretting it or if you want to donit via insurance.

When I was hit by an uninsured driver, they did the let me pay privately song and dance. They gave me a bit of paper with their contact details on.

I took that bit of paper to the police.

One court case later and they had to pay me (very painfully) a few £s a week. Whenever they stopped paying, a warrant was put out for their arrest.

My insurance company paid to repair the damage, but the driver had to compensate me for increased premiums and my excess.