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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel guilty about this?

187 replies

Ginmakesitallok · 25/05/2017 18:19

Was hit by another car today going into a car park - after 2 barriers lanes merge into one, other driver should have given way, didn't and went into my side. Not too much damage, but could be costly respray, dent needs knocked out. Totally his fault. 18 year old driver, only had car a couple of weeks, insurance extortionate etc etc. His mum called me asked me not to go through insurance - I said I'd get a quote for damage, but I'd also tell my insurer . She asked me not to - it'll put his insurance through the roof, he has a high excess.

But - this has happened before (not the same accident obviously )and I've never gone through insurance, and always ended up with a shite repair job..

If I go through my insurance they will pick my car up, give me a courtesy car, get car fixed properly and deliver it back.

How do I know they will cough up? ? I've let my insurance know - but said I don't know if I want to make a claim.

Life would be easier for me to go via insurance, that's what I pay it for. Why do I feel so guilty???

OP posts:
DontTouchTheMoustache · 28/05/2017 12:18

You do right, you gave them a fair chance

AceholeRimmer · 28/05/2017 13:54

Good one OP, you gave them more than enough chances. They're daft to not be biting your hand off.

Original poster
Ginmakesitallok · 29/05/2017 11:14

So - he's now disputing liability and put a claim in himself. Apparently he is trying to get cctv from the car park. Idiot - it will show that he's at fault. I would love to know what he's saying has happened.

And that is what happens when you try to be fucking reasonable. No more! Bring it on.

OP posts:
ThePlatypusAlwaysTriumphs · 29/05/2017 11:17

No great surprise, but still disappointing that people are like this , especially when you have tried to be helpful. I kind of hope it ends up costing him more in the long run!

Original poster
Ginmakesitallok · 29/05/2017 11:34

I hope it costs him a bloody fortune and that he can't get insurance again.

OP posts:
Trb17 · 29/05/2017 11:35

Provide a good diagram and written explanation to your insurance firm and you should be fine. Especially if he was further back than you and so in essence he ran into you.

I once won a claim where I ran into the back of another car.

The very young driver had decided to turn right on a dual carriageway and suddenly pulled out from first lane into my lane (just a few feet in front of my car) and slammed on an immediate full stop (so he could wait for oncoming traffic to clear) without any indicators or warning. I'm assuming he'd not used a mirror either. He then fled the scene and luckily my car was in decent enough shape to chase him until he stopped! I took loads of pictures and then he rang his mum who declared I was at fault as I'd run into the back of him. Luckily the insurance company didn't agree as this was one of those rare accidents where I (as the car that ran into the back of the other) wasn't to blame even in part. Full claim settled in my favour.

I think the diagram and written description of what happened was essential to the claim. That and the fact that I rang 101 after I'd caught him to ask advice about him fleeing the scene.

MTverystressed · 29/05/2017 11:46

That's why you just go through insurance and not try to be nice.

I've seen this happen to many friends, don't even be surprised if he happens to get a 'witness' to say you caused the accident.
As a previous poster said you will probably both be found 50:50 at fault for this accident.

Original poster
Ginmakesitallok · 29/05/2017 11:53

I honestly don't know how he could say I caused the accident - the damage to both cars could only have happened if it happened like I say it did. There is no way I could have caused the damage.

I've sent insurance Co all the info I have.

OP posts:
mrtumblesmistress1 · 29/05/2017 12:04

I work in claims, he's not got a leg to stand on. Its a delay tactic on his part. I suggest going to the scene and taking pics of the lanes and using this as your diagram, mark where both cars were and the point of impact. Message me if you've any questions. Going to cost him more now as it's likely your insurance will put you into credit hire!

Original poster
Ginmakesitallok · 29/05/2017 12:31

Thanks mrstumlesmistress . What does "credit hire" mean?

OP posts:
BusyBeez99 · 29/05/2017 12:36

Insurance claim. We had this a few months ago. I stood my ground and said insurance only. Repairs were £1700 in the end

Maybe think twice about Concentrating when driving next time

Doobigetta · 29/05/2017 12:41

It's probably in the terms and conditions of your insurance policy that you have to tell them about all accidents. It isn't worth the risk that you'll invalidate your policy for the sake of doing him a favour.

BusyBeez99 · 29/05/2017 12:42

Meant maybe he will think twice about concentrating, not you!

Libitina · 29/05/2017 12:45

What does "credit hire" mean?

That if found in your favour, he'll also be paying for your hire car as well as any repairs.

joangray38 · 29/05/2017 12:54

I know someone who had a car accident - parents persuaded her not to go through insurance: no police. Turned out car was was a write, refused to pay anything, denied it ever happened. She got nothing.

LagunaBubbles · 29/05/2017 12:56

I'm sorry but if you were in lane b, then according to your arrow, you are at fault

Justdontgetit you do know what a give way means dont you? Have a look at the diagram again.....Hmm

sonjadog · 29/05/2017 13:05

Glad you are going thrugh your insurance. As the posters above said, make sure you give very clear evidence of the position of the cars, road signs etc.

Let us know how you get on!

mum11970 · 29/05/2017 13:07

We own a body shop and the repair is no different if you go through insurance or private. The poor lad's insurance will go up astronomically due to making a claim unfortunately. The people to blame for that hike are the bastards that claim for whiplash they do not have just to make a quick buck.

Bettyspants · 29/05/2017 13:15

Bloody cheek! I'd be so pissed of at that after how helpful you've been. I'm petty and would try and make things really difficult....

mum11970 · 29/05/2017 13:19

Be aware if you do not have protected no claims and the insurance company decide to opt for knock for knock your premium will also rise next year as it will be noted as an at fault claim.

Devonishome1 · 29/05/2017 13:22

Going through your insurance is the safest option.

Original poster
Ginmakesitallok · 29/05/2017 13:23

Mum11970 - my premiums will go up even if found no fault , just informing them of an accident means my premiums will go up.

Think I might be starting to get whiplash.... (only kidding! )

OP posts:
mum11970 · 29/05/2017 13:27

They will go up more for an at fault claim than a non fault claim.

cheeeekyavocado · 29/05/2017 13:36

Use the insurance.

I don't understand people who won't use car insurance as the cost goes up if a claim is made. We have no choice but to pay for insurance, so it's just a waste to pay every month then not utilise it.

It is also there to protect you. They might refuse to pay. Refuse to take responsibility. Get arsey if there is hidden damage and the price goes up.

It will be a lesson to him to be more careful in future.

GeneHuntsMistress · 29/05/2017 13:44

I would have gone through insurance immediately based solely on the premise that he is a grown adult in charge of a machine that is the biggest killer in the uk, and when he fails to drive this with the faintest knowledge of the Highway Code thus causing a crash - his MUM sorts it out.

WTF.