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Original poster

Car accident

19 replies

jodesxx · 22/02/2024 18:23

My mum was in a minor bump two years ago. Person in front going about 30mph and broke suddenly and she went into back. No visible damage to car and photos taken at time. She said her car had only just come out of repair for similar so bit suspicious. Exchanged details and contacted insurance company. Mum provided her with the claim reference from insurance. With different insurance provider now.

Had a letter in post today from HMRC saying money claim for £4500. They've sent particulars of claim etc.

What does she do? They don't even own the car now and the insurance has ended.

Any advice would be appreciated. She will call insurance in the morning but she is panicking!

OP posts:
leamington66 · 22/02/2024 18:27

Why would there be a letter from HMRC?

TheFlis · 22/02/2024 18:33

This sounds very odd. HMRC do not deal with car insurance claims.

WeeOrcadian · 22/02/2024 18:36

HMRC? That's random

Could be a scam letter

Original poster
jodesxx · 22/02/2024 18:41

It's from HM Courts and Tribunals Service sorry. Baby brain at the moment!!

OP posts:
Eddieegg · 22/02/2024 18:43

Did she contact her insurer at the time? If you go into the back of someone it’s pretty much always your fault I’m afraid to say!

maximist · 22/02/2024 18:45

She needs to contact the insurers she was with at the time of the accident.

GiantHornets · 22/02/2024 18:55

Is it a fine notice if it’s come from HMCTS?

Seeline · 22/02/2024 18:56

Does the letter say it is related to that accident?
Could it be related to a speeding fine or something?

TwelveKeys · 22/02/2024 19:05

Surely there must be some sort of time limit on claims? 2 years is ages. Are there full details of what they are claiming?

jujubees · 22/02/2024 19:08

TwelveKeys · 22/02/2024 19:05

Surely there must be some sort of time limit on claims? 2 years is ages. Are there full details of what they are claiming?

I believe it's much longer, around 7 years?
OP your mum needs to contact the insurance company she was with at the time, as it looks like she did everything right / above board.

HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMyRear · 22/02/2024 19:12

Are you concerned that it might have been a scam, with brake lights not working? Just inferring from your comment about the recent repair.
Although I can't imagine how that could be proved at this stage.

The insurance company need to be contacted. You are still insured for claims relating to that period when you were officially insured, IYSWIM.

Parky04 · 22/02/2024 19:14

TwelveKeys · 22/02/2024 19:05

Surely there must be some sort of time limit on claims? 2 years is ages. Are there full details of what they are claiming?

For property claims, limitation is 6 years. For injury, it's 3 years.

Just pass the Claim Form to her insurers, and they will deal with it.

Original poster
jodesxx · 22/02/2024 19:40

Thanks everyone.

I don't think there was anything that she could have done to prevent it at the time.

It was 30mph road and going about 20 and just could not break in time from what it sounds.

They are claiming for £4K damage which is excessive as at the time pictures were taken and no sign of damage at all, not even a scratch and photos to prove. Seems ridiculous! The car probably wasn't even worth that amount as it was 12 years old and not in the best condition!

They've not given anything to support any of this either.

Also claiming for car hire of £800 for 3 weeks but this was two months after the accident.

She said at the time she had only just had car repaired following similar (days before) so it's a bit suspicious.

She has gone back over her records and is emailing the letter to the insurance company and will follow it up in the morning. She is surprised it has come to her direct and spooked her I think.

OP posts:
DreadPirateRobots · 22/02/2024 19:51

Don't get enmeshed with the details. Just give it to the insurers who dealt with the original claim.

And yes, she is at fault. If you drive into the back of someone you are at fault, period, because you should always be driving with sufficient space and care not to ram the person in front if they need to emergency stop.

TwelveKeys · 23/02/2024 07:53

When you say photos were taken at the time, do you mean your mum has the photos? That's probably helpful if so.

Sounds like they're trying to scam the insurance.

RawBloomers · 23/02/2024 19:46

DreadPirateRobots · 22/02/2024 19:51

Don't get enmeshed with the details. Just give it to the insurers who dealt with the original claim.

And yes, she is at fault. If you drive into the back of someone you are at fault, period, because you should always be driving with sufficient space and care not to ram the person in front if they need to emergency stop.

Going into the back of someone you will be at fault but not necessarily 100% because it is also an offence to brake suddenly without good cause. Unfortunately insurance companies rarely follow up on this as far too difficult to prove.

MarieG10 · 24/02/2024 06:26

Is somewhat strange as normally there would be a letter before claim setting out the issues and nature of the claim. Was this received?

In any event, let your insurer handle it

Original poster
jodesxx · 24/02/2024 09:47

She contacted the insurance company and they said the last contact was July 2022. When she asked if had been responded to they went quiet so they have obviously just not one what they should. It's being passed onto the legal team and they will appoint solicitors.

Just wasn't very nice her having that and no other word. I've done some research and she should have really had something before. Very scary for her and she can't risk a CCJ due to her work so hopefully they will deal now.

OP posts:
WeeOrcadian · 25/02/2024 18:36

DreadPirateRobots · 22/02/2024 19:51

Don't get enmeshed with the details. Just give it to the insurers who dealt with the original claim.

And yes, she is at fault. If you drive into the back of someone you are at fault, period, because you should always be driving with sufficient space and care not to ram the person in front if they need to emergency stop.

Incorrect - there are a couple of scenarios where you can collide with the rear of the car in front and NOT be at fault
I.e. if they pull out of a junction, into YOUR lane, thereby cutting house up - that's just one example.

But 99% of the time, it is straightforward and the car behind is at fault

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