Car prang - does this sound right?

[Wouldcouldcantwont]

My car's bumper was hit and damaged before Christmas. I was stationary and the other driver hit the rear of my car whilst he was making a turn. Thankfully there was a witness and he admitted responsibility. I called my insurance afterwards but the other driver texted me to try and get me to sort it out ourselves, but his offer wouldn't go anywhere towards the repair bill. My insurance are due to pick up my car soon for the repair but a couple of days ago I got a call supposedly from his insurance company. They only asked for me by my first name, didn't mention where the accident happened or anything, just said that he admitted responsibility to them and asked if I would consider claiming through them instead of my own insurance company. They said that way I wouldn't pay and excess or affect my NCB. My insurance company have already told me in writing that won't happen as he has admitted responsibility. They then offered me £500 to stop my claim and get the car repaired through them. I declined their offer but I thought it really weird. I've had a few bumps during over 30 years of driving, and I've never had that happen before. Has anyone else had this happen? It just felt off.

My niece has just had this happen - the other insurance company offering to sort it. She declined too. I think insurance companies do do that but equally it would be an easy scam to pull wouldn't it?!

Yes. I did wonder if it was an attempt to stop the claim which would affect his NCB, They didn't even identify which company they were calling from, just "the other driver's insurance company". I'd have no guarantee that I'd get anything!

Having worked in insurance, this sounds as dodgy as fuck and I wouldn't have anything to do with it.

This sometimes happens. It can save you the excess, but then it's not your insurance company taking responsibility for the repairs.
See: www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4727223-car-insurance-other-party-insurer-contacted-me

I was hit by another driver and their insurance company offered me money to go through them for the courtesy car (I called my insurer and they said it was up to me but they’re offering to save themselves money)

Although the cash would have come in handy, I said no because I was a bit unsure about it all.

(Admiral if it’s relevant!)

30 years ago I worked in motor insurance and we did this, as soon as our customer admitted they were at fault we'd call the other party. However, I am surprised they didn't use data protection questions and confirmed who you were.

Also the offer of cash is a bit weird and I definitely wouldn't take it up as you never know if there's underlying damage or a delay in repair

I think his company were Admiral!

I'd rather just get my car fixed and forget it happened.

I'm a fleet manager.....it's not unusual for the other Insurance Company to offer to handle the claim directly - in that way they can mitigate the costs because they are in control of where/how your car gets fixed. This is why they are keen to handle the claim and it would mean they have already accepted the liability for the accident (if you have been rear-ended, it's pretty much always the other person's fault). And it means you don't have to pay an Excess, then claim it back afterwards, which is a faff.

But I'd want to know what company they are calling from, and see something in writing to be sure.

You are perfectly entitled to say no, and continue through your own insurance company, if you feel more comfortable dealing with them. They will then claim it back from the other insurer.

It'll be an accident management company (AMC) calling you, such as Kindertons. They're unregulated (no longer under the jurisdiction of the FCA/FOS) and scammy bastards.