Car crash - claiming for expenses

[phatboy]

Hi all,

At the weekend someone crashed into my car in a multi-storey car park, and drove off without leaving a note or informing the Police.

Fortunately, there was CCTV in the car park and the Police were able to see the collision and the number plate. They contacted the woman, and she contacted me.

We have agreed that if the cost of the repair work isn't 'too much' they will deal with it without the need to involve insurers (Best for both of us, as I know a no fault claim still counts against me).

I spent 2 1/2 hours yesterday at the Police station to make my statement, and as a consequence had to make up the time at work. I will also be inconvenienced by spending my time going to garages to get repair quotes, and then taking my car to the chosen garage for repair, and likely being provided a loan car that is not suitable for our family needs, and which my wife will not want to drive (Fairly new driver).

Is it reasonable for me to also request that the person who hit my car contributes to these losses and inconveniences I have experienced?

If they had left a note or reported it I would not be minded to ask as accidents happen to us all. But they drove off probably hoping to get away with it.

We always have the option of going via insurance, and letting the legal cover take care of this, but I don't want to unless I have to really.

Any opinions greatly appreciated!

 

[RNReindeer]

Morally, you may be right, but pragmatically, if you hike the private arrangement too high, the other party might justifiably decide to involve the insurance companies.

 

[Dextraneous]

Talk to her again and suggest that she does all the legwork and supplies you with a hire car.

 

[JBR]

As far as I am aware, being involved in an accident (or worse, causing it) and driving off without informing the police or attempting to inform the owner of the damaged vehicle is against the law.

I believe the police should be taking some sort of action, although I can't say I'm surprised that they didn't bother.

I have been involved in a couple of not-at-fault accidents, and have not been penalised by my insurers. Be honest. Tell your insurance company and claim for your losses.

 

[handyjack]

Are you not in default if you withhold this information from your insurer? Just a thought.

 

[RNReindeer]

As far as I am aware, being involved in an accident (or worse, causing it) and driving off without informing the police or attempting to inform the owner of the damaged vehicle is against the law.

I thought it only applied if an injury has occurred.
I might be wrong. I wouldn't put money on it.
And not informing the owner may be just a civil offence. Again I wouldn't put money on it, just a suspicion.

 

[handyjack]

As far as I am aware, being involved in an accident (or worse, causing it) and driving off without informing the police or attempting to inform the owner of the damaged vehicle is against the law.

I thought it only applied if an injury has occurred.
I might be wrong. I wouldn't put money on it.
And not informing the owner may be just a civil offence. Again I wouldn't put money on it, just a suspicion.

If a road traffic accident/collision happened on a road or a public place and the other driver failed to stop or there are injuries then you have to report the accident to the police.
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/faq-answer?id=Q660

 

[jockscott]

I also thought that leaving the scene of an accident without leaving details only applied on public roads too (not on private land or in car parks.

 

[handyjack]

I also thought that leaving the scene of an accident without leaving details only applied on public roads too (not on private land or in car parks.

Most car parks are public places, as is anywhere the public have a right to access. Public car park!

Private land and private car parks where no injury occurs is different.

 

[phatboy]

Thanks guys,

I was advised that legally it is not considered as a road, so no motoring-specific offense can be brought. However a charge of malicious damage or failing to stop and report damage to 3rd party property.

I am not sure on not reporting it to my insurer actually. Until this afternoon I didn't know who has hit me, so was and had no plan to claim against my own insurance, so was just going to buy the replacement parts and live with the scratches (tight on cash at the moment).

Part of me wants to just put it through the insurance and claim my expenses, but I am concerned my premium will rise through no fault of my own, and also the dealership my car came from told me my insurer won't let them do the work. I would really rather they did it, and I feel it should be my right to choose the repairer. I do not think much of the approved repairer.

Thanks for the input so far!

 

[handyjack]

Thanks guys,

I was advised that legally it is not considered as a road, so no motoring-specific offense can be brought. However a charge of malicious damage or failing to stop and report damage to 3rd party property.

I am not sure on not reporting it to my insurer actually. Until this afternoon I didn't know who has hit me, so was and had no plan to claim against my own insurance, so was just going to buy the replacement parts and live with the scratches (tight on cash at the moment).

Part of me wants to just put it through the insurance and claim my expenses, but I am concerned my premium will rise through no fault of my own, and also the dealership my car came from told me my insurer won't let them do the work. I would really rather they did it, and I feel it should be my right to choose the repairer. I do not think much of the approved repairer.

Thanks for the input so far!

Is your car still under warranty?

 

[phatboy]

Is your car still under warranty?

Yes it is, it's just over 2 years old.

 

[Newboy]

You have an admission of guilt from the other party.

Tell you insurers and let hem deal with it - that's what you pay them to do!

 

[cajar]

The woman tried to make off after denting your car. There is no way in hell she's going to wear 'a bit extra' for 'compensation for time off work' etc. If you try that she'll tell you to claim the insurance.

She's motivated solely by self interest. I would suggest you'd be able to get her to pay for the damage if you frame it round the fact it'll cost her less than going through the insurance, then, when it's settled and the times right, raise a case for civil damages against her after that, on the strength of her admission of liability.

 

[noseall]

when it's settled and the times right, raise a case for civil damages against her after that, on the strength of her admission of liability.

It is highly likely that once the money has been accepted then legally, both parties will consider the matter settled.