Am I obliged to report an accident to my insurers?

[Lubyloo]

I've never had an accident before and not sure what I need to. A van tried to squeeze past me today whilst I was stationary in a traffic jam. He clipped my rear bumper and scraped the paintwork but didn't stop. I have his registration number but won't claim as the damage is so minimal. Do I still have to report the accident?

If it was his fault then I would claim - your insurance will persue it for you. Having said that since he didnt stop it would be your word against his - he would probably deny it so you would be no further forward. I think legally you are obliged, but personally I wouldnt as it still gets recorded. Its why they ask you "have you had any accidents or claims regardless of fault in the past 5 years"

The wind caught the door of a guys car in the work car park, work sorted it all out, I let insurance know and I'm sure it had implications - I didnt loose NCB but when they asked me the following year about claims and accidents I said no, and they said actually we have on record that you had an accident last year - I explained that it was minor damage to paint work and that it was dealt with privately but apparently that wasnt the point.

I'd tell them, just in case van man got your number plate and tries to put a different spin on it... it may well be a works van and worth his while (his job) to lie (well tehre are people out there like that)

Thanks for your advice. It's definitely not my fault as I was standing still in traffic. I don't think he would have got my number plate as he drove off. DH is going to look at the damage in the morning and I will give my insurance company a ring.