false claim

[MattFootball]

When driving on the 6th Sept 2008 I bumped into the guy in front of me while shuffling along in traffic. We both stopped to have a look at any damage that may have occured. Quite literally no damage to his car and my motor had a cracked number plate. I applogised and gave the gent my name and phone number just incase and I beleived that to be the end of the matter. I have now recieved a letter over 5 months later putting in for a claim for repair of �1709.80 + legal costs. Can he get away with this or can I argue the matter and if I do would I have a leg to stand on? Any help would be great! Thanks.

[kira000]

I'm afraid that aslong as he can prove there was damage, and what all the costs were, yes, he could still have a case.

Recently my OH's BMW was bumped from the back whilst stationary by a guy who freely admitted it was his fault as he wasnt looking ahead.

They inspected the cars, didnt look like there was damage, but swapped details and then left.
When my OH got home and told me, i suggested he take his car to the nearest BMW dealer, just to be sure, as you cant always see the damage from outside the car.
Good thing he did, as when they checked, the bumper bar was actually damaged, and you could feel where it had rippled despite not being able to see it.

If he had been hit from behind again with the damaged bumper, it would have lessened its effacity. So the other driver, having thought he'd got away with it, actually got a bill for about �1600.

[MattFootball]

Many thanks, gunna have to take it on the chin I suppose. Next time I will take photos of the damage/mistery damage.

[chas2008]

modern bumpers are designed to pop back out after a minor impact often hiding much more serious damage behind.
If you choose to pass it on to your insurance there is no way they will agree with the other party without seeing proof from the repairer or an estimate.
Sounds like he may have passed it on to an accident managment company but the same rules apply before any repair is carried out there are certain criteria that need to be met.
Just pass it on to your insurers that is what you are paying i for i can assure you they wont pay out on no damage.

[paraffin]

Assuming you have fully comp insurance? If so, contact your insurance company asap and seek advice.

If you're 3rd party, you won't have the same level of cover obviously but still worth contacting them in any case.

[johnny37]

3rd party will cover damage to the other car. Sounds like a con to me but let your iinsurerers deal with it. I suppose they also had whiplacsh!

[TWR]

����������� Wait for the next claim Matt!!!!! Whiplash another basd trying it on, I really hate these basds, Ask for the name of the Garage they are taking it to then advise them that you need another 2 Quotes of your choice,then inform your Insurance.

[gman150]

This is the reason I always carry a digital camera with me!!

[Mavis22]

If it was 5 months ago, I'd be tempted to ask for proof that the damage was done back in September. They need a good reason for waiting so long!