Hey guys,
Had someone clipped the back of our car on the motorway on Friday night while changing lanes (the other car changed lanes to go behind us and must have misjudged distances).
Damage is not too bad (scratches to the panel and bumper) but since we were not at fault making an insurance claim was an easy call. We had the other driver's rego number and called the cops to report it since they did not stop (it was on the motorway mind you, just before the bridge so not really the best place to stop)
Now the insurance company is telling us that we must pay the excess ($400 in our case) so that they can recoup their costs. They will then reimburse us if (and only if) the other driver recognises being at fault and signs a document admitting fault. I know there are still honest people out there but I can't help but think that it would be very tempting to simply "lose" that letter from the insurance.
BTW, there is CCTV at that spot so we are pretty sure we (or the insurance company) can obtain a recording of the accident.
I would have thought the insurance company's job was to cover the cost for us and then chase down whoever they need to to recoup their cost
I am asking for other people's opinion on this. We have been paying for a full cover for years and it seems like they are not doing much for us right now as the only way to not be out of pocket over this accident is for the other party to play ball. What do you guys think?
Pretty set on not wanting to pay the excess on this one as clearly the insurance company then has no incentive to chase down the driver. What should we do?