Had bump, what next?

[sjwright]

Hi

I'm a 22 year old driver, 4 years no claims and I went into the back of a vauxhall (a old one, I think it was a M reg) at low speed (less than 5 mph) after having a sneazing fit. My car is an auto and my foot found itself on the accelerator instead of the brake briefly, but was long enough to bump!

He has a minor scratch on the plastic of his bumper, and I have a cracked headlight. I have no scratches, bends, dints whatsoever on the front of my trusty old polo, just the cracked headlight. I took a photo of his bumper at the scene.

I gave him my insurance details, but he expressed a desire to sort things without going through the insurance. He carried on his journey to work, where he said he would get someone to take a look at his car. I have his number but he didn't give me his insurance details.

Whats the best case scenario/worst case scenario here? I want to avoid insurance becuase my no claims are not protected, and also my excess is �500.

What if he tries and pulls a fast one claiming I did more damage than what I did etc or tries the old whiplash plea? He seemed like a reasonable guy, but its hard to judge someone's character when you meet by bumping into them!

My sister is a solicitor, but as of yet I can't get hold of her so I'm all out of advice! having never done this before, I just wanted to know what happens?

Thanks

[sddsddean]

I've done this a few times (both as bumper and bumpee!) and I find most people are fairly genuine. Did you take a photo of his car as proof? As long as you've got his registration number, your insurance company would find him if everything went pear shaped. From what you describe, if he asks for about �100 - �150 (if less, you are quids in), that would be about right. If this all works out OK, send with the cheque a letter for him to sign and return to you (include an SAE) saying that this payment is in full and final settlement of any claim on the date against his vehicle reg.

[TWR]

Hi, expect a claim for whiplash 1st thats the Norm with some people, 2nd you said you had taken a photo! did it show the No plate in the picture? If they come back with a stupid claim get the car checked at a garage that you know. 3rd it seems Autos are not the car for you Re/ the bumps you have had, I would think about getting a Manual then there is no creeping forward with that. ( Do not take offence at that last comment as it was not ment to offend you)

[alan30]

Hi - it all depends on the individual whether you can avoid going through insurance. I had a recent small knock and the other guy agreed he preferred not to go through insurance. I gave hime 2 quotes and I had his cheque within the week. My father had the complete opposite and ended up paying for his own damage.

Your person had nothing to lose going through insurance as it was your fault. If he gets difficult ask for his insurance details as a back up - he may not be insured and if he gets awkward may not want to run the risk of being prosecuted.