Car Damage

[campbellking]

Hi, one of my neighbours popped round the other day to say his wife had witnessed my car being hit (and another car as well) whilst a car was doing a 3 point turn in our road a couple of weeks ago. There is damage to the paintwork on the left side near the bumper. He has given me the number plate details of the car that hit mine, and she is prepared to act as a witness.
Is it worth pursuing this (i.e are the insurance company likely to take someone's word for this), and do I go through my own insurance company, and would it potentially affect my own no claims (or put up the policy amount next year)?
Thanks for any advice, as I've never claimed anything in 30 years of motoring.

[CrapAtCryptics]

As you`ve never claimed isnt it about time they started earning their money. A clear case of blame and a witness they`ll think its Christmas.

[bookbinder]

If you claim, your NCB will be affected, and your payments will go up. You have a good chance of winning, with a witness. Don't expect an easy ride, though. I claimed, in very similar circumstances, about 12 years ago. I had 2 witnesses, but the other driver's insurance company would not pay up until my company threatened to take them to court.

[campbellking]

Thanks, think I might just get an approximate idea of the cost of the job. It's the second time it's been hit in the same place (very common down my street, there's no off road parking), but the first time someone has seen who did it.

[bhg481]

If there is any paint on your car from the other car they can't deny it was them; together with the witness statement they'd be foolish to contest your claim. Perhaps you should also mention that they've broken the law by not leaving their name and address on your windscreen.

[TonyV]

Camp get a quote for damage to be repaired because if you don't have a protected NCB it going to put your premiums up next year. Would also report it to the police if you have reg No