First Accident - other party at fault

[Radars2000]

Hi,

I have just been involved in my first accident despite driving for 25 years.

A motorcyclist tried to do a u-turn in the road just as i was passing. Fortunately he wasn't hurt and he admitted his responsibilty and wants to deal with it outside of insurance.
We exchanged contact details but not insurance details. (i wouldn't have remembered mine anyway)

I have contacted one repairer and they will look at the car on Tuesday, i'll try some others if they are open tomorrow.

I am concerned however that the damage to my car may cost more than he is hoping as the mirror was smashed off and a gash was made in the passenger door skin. Some damage continues onto the rear doors window and window seal.

The car is a 2008 Focus 2.0 Titanium which Auto trader says is worth £2.690

I am unemployed and have zero funds and also would not like to have my insurance go up because of it.
I also hope he does not change his mind from what he said at the scene where he admitted full responsibilty.

Any advice would be most gratefully received.

[MustangGT]

Personally I would go through insurance unless very minor indeed.

[alscar]

MustangGT said:

Personally I would go through insurance unless very minor indeed.

This. It’s why you buy insurance.
You don’t know whether or not your insurance will go up and indeed by what amount but you shouldn’t be worrying about that now.

[Bennet]

Another vote for going through insurance. This will cover you in the event that he later decides it was all your fault and he has spinal injuries.

[Geertsen]

I was stationary at traffic lights and was hit from behind by a young man in a brand new Mercedes. At the scene he said he would pay for the damage to my car. When I got a couple of quotes he went cold and I had a call from his insurance. I never heard from him again and dealt with it via our insurance. He was obviously at fault and my insurance didn’t go up. I was naive but would NEVER let someone ‘pay for the damage’ ever again as it was a little sketchy for a moment explaining to my insurance why I hadn’t contacted them immediately. I basically trusted him because he was well spoken and had a nice new car but he didn’t honour his word. I wouldn’t mess about like this again.

[Sir Bagalot]

Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

Family member rear ended by third party. Very slight damage. £300 paid by third party.

Family member rear ended third party. £390 paid to settle. Thankful as a young driver.

Me. Hit by third party. £450 quote given. Third party then went cold. I chased and they replied saying it was in a car park so would go knock for knock I told them that was doubtful as I was stationary when it..... oh, and the slight matter of my dashcam..... their insurers called me the next day to admit liability. Total cost £1500

[Pica-Pica]

alscar said:

MustangGT said:

Personally I would go through insurance unless very minor indeed.

This. It’s why you buy insurance.
You don’t know whether or not your insurance will go up and indeed by what amount but you shouldn’t be worrying about that now.

Agreed.

[Captain_Morgan]

Radars2000 said:

Hi,

I have just been involved in my first accident despite driving for 25 years.

A motorcyclist tried to do a u-turn in the road just as i was passing. Fortunately he wasn't hurt and he admitted his responsibilty and wants to deal with it outside of insurance.
We exchanged contact details but not insurance details. (i wouldn't have remembered mine anyway)

I have contacted one repairer and they will look at the car on Tuesday, i'll try some others if they are open tomorrow.

I am concerned however that the damage to my car may cost more than he is hoping as the mirror was smashed off and a gash was made in the passenger door skin. Some damage continues onto the rear doors window and window seal.

The car is a 2008 Focus 2.0 Titanium which Auto trader says is worth £2.690

I am unemployed and have zero funds and also would not like to have my insurance go up because of it.
I also hope he does not change his mind from what he said at the scene where he admitted full responsibilty.

Any advice would be most gratefully received.

I suspect the cost of repair will push the other party to go via insurance & then the car will be written off.

Perhaps see if a good matching door & mirror can be found second hand.

[Radars2000]

Many thanks to all who replied.

I have claimed on insurance, the other party were agreed on this.

Having to resign myself to probably losing the car as a write-off though. Which is something i could do without right now.