Posting here for traffic- car bump

[darlingsweetpea]

I had a car accident today, the car in front braked suddenly and I went into the back of them.

I've reported to car insurance and am arranging my car for repair. The other owner isn't sure what she is going to do yet as she had a tiny dent.

If she claims through the insurance what do the insurance company do? Do they just accept my fault and pay, or do they check local cctv, ask for dash cams etc. I was going 20mph and it was only two cars.

I'm in pieces with worry as I've never experienced this before.

If you went into the back of the other car then you’ll be found at fault.

And do the insurance do any research etc or just a flat 100% my fault?

Unless the car pulled out suddenly in front of you, it will be your fault - you should have been far enough back to be able to respond to them braking suddenly. The insurance company would only investigate if there is doubt over who is at fault. From your description that is unlikely.

Generally in this situation they just accept fault; are you trying to suggest it wasn’t your fault? In the nicest way if you went into someone at 20mph you were way too close and need to adjust your driving and be aware that when it’s wet you need to give even more braking time

I was rear ended a few months ago after stopping suddenly. I was asked for my own report of what happened, who was in the car with me, they asked me to provide pictures and any other evidence ie dash cam footage which I didn't have.

In my case my own insurance company arranged the repairs and I had to pay the excess which I got back after the other party admitted liability.

An insurance company wouldn't investigate with cctv etc in this kind of case. They will expect you to admit fault unless you can prove otherwise like if you had dash cam footage of a car reversing into you.

Thank you, a lesson learnt and a big reminder regarding safe distances and wet roads.

Just to warn you, I had a little dent in same sort of situation.
The cheapest quote I got was £600, and the most expensive more than double that.
Small dents are still very pricy.

@MargaretThursday everything will be through the insurance.

I have paid to protect my no claims but I imagine that's not worth the paper it's written on as my premiums will go up etc

I was the car that got rear ended in Spring.
I submitted an account of what happened. No photos etc. Liability accepted by other insurance after about a month
Took months to get fixed. Very little visual damage, but actually needed a whole new rear bumper (and was less than 10mph, but she managed to put her foot on the accelerator more than once....).

You've informed the insurance. Leave it with them. Took about an hour for Solicitors and my chosen garage to call. It was very slick. Let them do their stiff with the other car. It's not for you to deal with. I'm not actually sure what happens if you involve your insurers and she doesn't tho.