I hit a car today, what's the best thing to do?

[tammybearinggifts]

Today is my DD's 6th birthday and everything is just going wrong! And to top it off, whilst outside my DD's school trying to get her there, I hit the back of a car which had braked quickly in front of me and I didn't have enough time to stop properly. Mostly my fault. I spoke to her quickly, and she took my number. I was really upset by the whole thing, cause I felt really bad and embarrassed and stressed out. Still haven't quite got over it at the moment.

The damage on her car looks to be a crack/dent on the bumper. My friend says I should go through my insurance, though I don't think I actually have no claims protection thing. But I'm a student so couldn't afford to pay for repairs without contacting the insurance. So what do you suggest I do? Would it be easier to do it through insurance, and if so would I have to give her my details? I've never been in an accident before so I dunno what to do. Thanks. x

yes ring your insurance now and ask their advice. They will help you decide the best course of action. And if she rings, dont admit liability, tell them your insurers will deal and refer her there. your insurance co will be on your side.

Yes, you go through insurance - you give her the details nd she lets hers know to claim, you call your insurance company to let them know too, you lose your excess - bumpers can be expensive - some are 500 quid.

what's your excess?

My excess is £200.

I'll probably see her in a bit when I go pick DD up so I'll give her the details. Is it just the company and Policy number I need to give her?

give her the name of your insurance company and your policy number, and the registration of your car just in case. make sure you ahve the same from her.

go through the insurance company whatever.
Even if you decide in the end to pay the total yourself, let the insurance company do the work and later on you can 'buy back the claim'. Tell them you might want to buy back the claim.

My ds did exactly what you did, the total cost was about £500, the excess was £400 so we decided to pay the lot ourselves to keep it off his insurance record. But we let the insurance company do the work then paid them back the £500. Although they know he had a prang, from their point of view there was no CLAIM on teh policy so next year he will have one year's no claims discount.

Ok thank you.

And thank you for all your help.

you only pay xs for your own damage - if someone else is claiming off your policy (a thirdparty) and you don't claim for your damage then you don't pay an excess - and don't worry

Oh thanks blushingm. I didn't know that. There's no damage to mine luckily. So that's good to know. Wasn't able to speak to her after school as bit hectic, but shall try and catch her tomorrow morning. Wish I had been a bit more with it to think of this this morning!

my friend had someone run up the back of her just a couple of weeks ago

damade was the same... 'just' a cracked bumper..... BUT her insurance company refused to let her drive it (in case a stranger brushed against it and cut themselves, as of that happened they could claim off ehr insurance)... she has therefore had a courtesy car for the past 2 weeks due to not being allowed by herown insurance to drive the car....
this hore car is being paid for by the other persons insurance

definitely tell your insurance etc.... and do it that way... also she might have whiplash / neck ache etc and if soit would be perfectly reasonable for her to claim all that from your insurance too.

good luck

you hit her ...in the back... i see a big claim coming your way on personal injury...let the insurance deal with it as im sure the lady will sugest aswell