Insurance Claim?

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Bee

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#116705 7-May-2013 15:21

My wife backed into another car today... No damage to our car but put a scratch on the bumper and a chip in a headlight of the other car... The other owner got a panel beater quote of $847 and says WE have to lodge the claim with OUR insurance company as her insurance company wont help - (we have full insurance and she has 3rd party)

As there is no damage to our car why would I bother to claim? Legally we dont have to??

Also seems like someone trying to make a quick buck - $800 seems a bit much for a bit of paint and a new headlight??? (That probably doesn't NEED replacing?)

I would think the insurance company would get 3 quotes that would come out much cheaper but still, considering I couldn't presently pay $80 let alone $800 even if I wanted to the whole thing is a bit odd...

The main thing is - requiring us to put in a claim? there's no law regarding this is there???

Doing your best is much more important than being the best.

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tdgeek

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#812934 7-May-2013 15:46

You claim on the damage to your car whether its your fault or not. Your insurance company will fix your car if your fault (and affect your no claims bonus) or they will recover from the causer, and if they get recovery, your no claims is not affected

In your case, the other person claims, his insurance company seeks recovery from you

But, if they only have third part cover, they are not insured. They could take a claim against you in a civil case, I am unsure what that entails

wellygary

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#812962 7-May-2013 16:05

The main thing is - requiring us to put in a claim? there's no law regarding this is there???

No there is not, but the other party has a claim against you for damage, ( which you have admitted)

Now, you can either pay that out of your pocket ( which you appear not willing to do)
Or you can avail yourself of the liability insurance that your car insurance policy gives you,

You have admitted that you/your wife is the at fault party, so either pay them, or get your insurance company to pay them ( covering the liability you have)

littlehead

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#812993 7-May-2013 16:25

Bee:

Scenario 2 - they can be bothered to take us to court and I negotiate to pay the courts at $10 per week...

I'm thinking scenario 2 will not even happen! but I'll opt for that it it does...

I would be weary of this option. By not paying and going to court, as you are liable for the damage, you would also be liable for all the court costs and solicitors fees involved in this. This could easily see your ~$800 cost increase to ~$2000 as soon as it hits the court. This cost would increase if you do not comply with the courts orders and things like examination and attachment orders are required.

I would also be weary of assuming a figure of $10 a week. I work in payroll and have seen some attachment orders comparably large to someone's wages, nearly 20% in one case.

driller2000

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#813341 7-May-2013 22:35

Bee: SaltyNZ: so don't you think the insurance companies or the law should change something so you don't have to go thru the courts to get things settled?

At this stage I'm taking the court option because its easiest for me and I don't believe the other party will take that route...

Two Reasons: If it were me I would not be worried about a little scratch on the bumper and also they cant prove it was caused by my wife...

how's this for proof ie. your first post:

"My wife backed into another car today... No damage to our car but put a scratch on the bumper and a chip in a headlight of the other car... "

you are being unreasonable, unethical and a bit of a douche to be honest :(

man up - accept responsibility and sort it out

ps: can someone please file his first post away and somehow get it to the poor person who has done no wrong - yet has the misfortune to have to deal with this guy :/