Supposed Car Park Bump - please help!

[cheekymunkey]

Hi, just today I was parking into a supermarket car park bay, when I was accused of scratching the car next to me.

I parked into a bay without any problems but the guy parked in the adjacent bay got out of his car and blamed me for ever so slightly scratching his bumper, which I clearly did not - I did not touch his car and there was no corresponding scratch on my car that would be expected in a minor scrape.

Although I did my best to reason with the Volvo owner and explain the situation he got quite aggitated and would not stop hasseling me until I gave him my details so that he could file an insurance claim.

As I preferred to drive home with both kneecaps in-tact I gave the driver my details and took his in return.

Seeing as no accident actually occurred I have not informed my insurance company, but can someone please give me some guidance as to what I should do in the event that the other driver does try to make a claim against me for this ficticious accident? Thankyou

[homer75]

If your insurance company contacts you about this, simply explain the facts to them as you have done here. Maybe the guy was hoping you would make a cash settlement there and then. A friend of mine was a victim of this type of scam some years ago.

[pagey]

You should speak to your insurance company and explain the circumstances and deny hitting him at all. He cannot just claim and would have to prove/convince that he was right.

If you speak to your insurers before his company does it will look better for you - in that you wont just be denying it when they call you.

It is important that you are absolutely certain that you didn't actually do it though. It can be easy to do and sometimes not even noticable in the car you are driving.

If this guy did not genuinely feel a knock in his car and is just bull$hitting then he deserves a slap.

[Dagman]

Tell your insurance people to expect this tat and completely deny the lot! c,mon cheekymunkey live up to your name don't let him get away with it. Never never ever admit fault to another driver, all they need is your car reg and your insurers name/contact, that should be all they need. Let your insurers deal with it.

[DirtyHabit]

I think your mistake was giving him your details. Why would someone give their details unless they were involved. That is what he will say to his insurance company when they tell him you are denying any knowledge.
You should have quite firmly told him there was no contact and refuse to give any details, he would have had the option to take your number and forward that with his claim.
Tell your insurance company that you only gave your details because you felt threatened by his manner, but that there was no contact between your car and his.

[dot.hawkes]

it was not on the public highway but private land and so he has no chance

[Toureman]

Sorry dot,

After seeing your other answers you are always right and I have a lot of respect for you but even though supermarket car parks are private property they are open for general use and are subject to normal road rules.

[kazzianne]

L would explain the situation to the insurance guys and even offer for them to come and look as your car - if as you say there isnt a mark on it then he will look a bit of a wally.But personally I would have also rang the police that day when I got home and say that he was so intimidating you were almost forced to hand you address over to a complete stranger - for all you know he may me planning to rob your house - you never know do you!!

[Jay70]

Sorry I cant help but it does back up my theory that most Volvo drivers are *******.