What to do about a car crash/insurance issue

[thenorthernluce]

Sorry, being very annoying and posting here for traffic.

My car was parked on the driveway this morning. A car speeding down the road swerved and crashed into it before driving away. Witnesses saw this happen but no one got a full registration number.

I phoned my insurance company who said because they do not have the full reg, they can't proceed with a no fault claim. Additionally, based on my description of the damage, the car is a write off. All very infuriating, but I'm a bit confused about what to do and was hoping some kind-hearted soul could help me decide.

I have it booked for its MOT on Wednesday; current certificate expires in a week. I don't yet know whether I can drive it, as there's a large dent in the panel over the driver side front wheel arch and the headlight has been broken/smashed same side. The car is not worth very much and is a bit of an old banger (hence the write off decision), and was only bought for my husband to learn to drive on. The insurance company confirmed the car is still insured until I tell them to start the write off process.

I don't know what to do! Life is a bit hectic at the moment, so I think I just want the easiest option. There's no point MOT-ing a car that's a write off, is there? Should I just give in and start the process? Or take it in on Weds anyway and see what the garage says?

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. Gah!

I wouldn't bother spending money on a MOT for a car which might well be written off. If it's not a write off, you can get it done later.

Have you reported the fail to stop, etc to the police? They may be able to come up with full index if instigating Road Traffic Act offences.

*Investigating

Definitely don’t waste money on an mot that will definitely fail on a car that’s most likely a write off.

Have you contacted the police?
This is a crime and they should be investigating it.

I would be tempted to go on a little walk down the road (in the direction the car drove off) and the surrounding streets and look at houses and any shops look for cctv cameras, maybe knock on some doors or go into shops and ask because sometimes they aren’t obvious.

It’s worth a shot it it means you have a chance of tracking the driver down.

Yes, it was all reported to the police, who came round and spoke to me and other witnesses. There's a chance of some CCTV, so I'm going to speak to the property I think has it later. The insurance company said I have to liaise with the police myself and pass on any evidence to them.

The police charge insurance companies for providing Rtc reports so your insurers are being a bit fly there.

Will you need to complete a SORN too until vehicle is disposed off as car tax won't be valid without a current MOT?

This might be a ridiculous question, but can I still use the car seat? It was attached via seatbelt on the back seat behind the front passenger seat, and the collision was to the front of the car on the driver’s side. I don’t want to jeopardise my chikd’s safety unknowingly!

Personally I would always replace it just for peace of mind.