What do I do?
Posted by Stock_Milk9768@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 11 comments
If I've accidentally hit another car with minor damage and we both agree to settle things privately do I still need to tell my insurance company?
Phil_Oop_North@reddit
Yes, you do. Yes, it will likely affect your premiums, but, if you don't and somehow they find out there could be problems. Worst case scenario, it could invalidate your insurance or get it cancelled (which would massively increase future premiums).
Just tell them that no significant damage was done and there'll be no claim as a result.
Mr-Incy@reddit
I am pretty sure it is a legal requirement written into most insurance policies that you have to report an accident even if you don't intend to claim.
It may affect your policy but that will be up to the insurer.
As others have said, the other party may agree with you at the time to settle things privately, but may change their mind, or if they then find out cost of repair is higher than expected they may decide to put a claim in anyway.
JuckJuckner@reddit
The other person in the situation, may say to your face that they will not go to the insurer. But they could behind your back and still go to the insurer to report it.
It is up to you if you decide to go and tell your insurance. But aware if you don't and your insurance find out. It is not going to be good.=
Inkblot7001@reddit
I had this happen to me in the past. Someone did not want the confrontation there and then and drove off, then later my insurance company contacted me to say they had accused me of driving into them and it was 100% my fault. However, they had not spotted that I had a dashboard cam. :-)
ImJustARunawaay@reddit
I loaned my car to somebody (legally, and insured) and they had a crash with somebody.
The other party had no insurance, but attempted to take some out after the fact, then reported it (same as you, claiming 0 fault) AND put in a personal injury claim.
It came to nothing, but it took fucking 2 years and as the policy holder I had inflated premiums due to the pending claim.
Stock_Milk9768@reddit (OP)
does reporting it affect my premiums or ncd
ImJustARunawaay@reddit
If you don't claim it won't affect your NCD, but it may affect your premium yes.
ImJustARunawaay@reddit
There was a time I'd have no qualms in saying "If all parties have agreed", but it's a risky business nowadays.
Too many people will gladly fuck you sideways by reporting it behind your back.
In the grand scheme of things, I'd report it, but without making a claim. I.e., tell your insurer that you're going to come to an arrangement directly (they can't stop you doing this), but report the accident to cover yourself.
Mumfiegirl@reddit
Yes you do
TedBurns-3@reddit
legally- yes.
reality- up to you
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