Earlier this afternoon some idiot in a vw touran decided to cut me up exiting a roundabout. I braked and avoided major contact but his rear wheel clipped my front wing, bumper and alloy wheel

There were two lanes to go straight on which led to a dual carriage way. I was in the left hand lane and he was in the right. As we came to the exit he proceeded to move in my direction at this point I sounded the horn and prepared to brake. He proceeded to cut straight across me breaking the white line and entering my lane, I braked and swereved to the left as much as possible but it was too late. I avoided a major smash but unfortunately his rear wheel clipped the front of me.

He proceeded to drive off so I followed him for over 25miles to try and get his details. Eventually he stopped and admitted he had cut me up because someone was behind him driving aggressively but denied he had hit me even though my car had fresh damage and rubber on it! :eek::confused:

Anyway eventually we visited the police station round the corner from were we had stopped 25miles away, they weren't interested as it was outside their county The officer told the other driver not to give me his details as the registration was sufficient and told me to report to insurance and closest police station to the incident :confused: I have since made a complaint about both these issues.

Anyway, I have now reported to the police station closest to the area and have also given the registration of the vehicle that was behind him before he cut me up. He would have seen him cutting me up but not sure if he saw contact. Unfortunately as the vehicle that struck me drove off I was unable to stop the witness. I'm not sure if the Police will take it any further.

Once I got home, I assessed the damage and most of the it polished out apart from some scuffs on the front wing. I have decided its not worth making a claim as without a confirmed witness it will be 50/50. The damage I'm left with doesn't warrant the risk of having to pay a £500 excess and deal with a hefty rise on next years premium.

My question is, do I need to tell my insurance company even if I don't make a claim?

I don't want it affecting my no claims or premium. According to the police I'm legally obliged to. Help!

Thanks

Luke

Technically yes. He could contact his insurance and try to claim off you, seeing as it could be construded as 50/59 and if you haven't told your insurance then you're in the wrong. But this seems unlikely.

Thats the only reason I thought it might be worth letting them know. I think I will phone them tommorrow.

if the other person is going to claim off you, you need to tell your insurance company otherwise your insurance comp wont do anything.

I had this where i guy hit me and i started the claim etc etc but it didnt go anyware for about 4 weeks. Turns out he didnt tell his insurance company so they refused to do anything, i ended up ringing the guy up and telling him to tell them

50/50 is best outcome without wittnesses IMO.

It all depends on how liability is decided between the insurance companies based on the information given by both parties.

The no claims bonus is as it says - no CLAIMS.

If the car is still drivable then it may well be best for the repairs to wait until liability is decided. If it is decided that the other party are completely at fault then you can get the repairs done completely and get a courtesy car.

Quick update.

Just got a driver statement form through from the Police to fill out. I'm guessing that means they are investigating the matter further? Maybe its because the other driver failed to exchange insurance details and failed to stop to begin with?

I didn't expect to hear anything from them after I reported it. Would this be a normal line of enquiry after a collision is reported or does mean further action is likely to be taken?

Has anyone had an experience with this sort of thing in the past?

Thanks

Luke

The Police will use your statement ,as evidence to prosecute the driver who was to blame ,and did not stop.The Officer will then decide if there is sufficient evidence to proceed,to a Court case. It is important that you put in your statement ,the other driver was to blame for the accident,if this fact is true. If you were partly to blame this will be taken into account.The Police have no interest from the cars Insurance ,and repair,etc point of view ,only that both parties were in fact insured at the time of the accident. You can contact the Police Station at any time to find out what stage the accident investigation is at. They will inform the Officer dealing with the accident ,that you enquired ,he then should contact you ,and let you know what is happening. Failing to stop,or report an Accident within 24 hours to a Police Station,or Police Officer on duty, is an Offence ,regardless of who was to blame for the accident. The criteria being that damage or injury has been caused to another vehicle ,(not yours)or person,or animal ( horse ,dog,cow,sheep etc,not cat).

Now retired, I have been there and done it!.

Regarding informing your Insurance Company,if you read your Policy ,you need to let your Insurance Company know. If they at a later date are informed by whatever means,other than by you ,they are intitled not to cover you regarding this Accident. This is because you have not complied with the conditions of the Policy issued to you..

Edited 12 August, 200916 yr by AndyPandy