What do I do if a car hits my parked vehicle but doesn't give his insurance details?
Recently, it would appear that several local residents in our otherwise pleasant housing estate have had their cars bumped in a local car park outside a row of popular shops. In each case, the offending drivers have driven away without leaving any details. Assuming that in each case there is a witness and the car registration has been noted, I'm wondering what the best course of action would be? Partly in case this happens to my own vehicle and partly to offer some advice to victims of this careless behaviour.
Asked on 12 April 2017 by AS
Answered by
Honest John
Firstly, I would advise getting a dashcam that records when it senses any vibration, you can pick these up for around £30. That way, you have evidence of anything happening. Should it be witnessed, the report the details to the police. You do not need to report the 'incident' of the damage that has occurred to your vehicle. Should you have an 'accident' then you DO have to contact your insurer. An accident is when you are in control of the vehicle. Insurers would have you believe otherwise.
Should you wish to identify the culprit and establish who they are insured through, you can do that here : www.askmid.com/askmidenquiry.aspx. If you find out who damaged your vehicle and you contact them, request their insurance details. Refusal to give insurance information is a criminal offence under Section 154 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As long as you have the registration, I would use a regulated claims management company to pursue your loss. I would not use my insurer unless I really needed to.
Should you wish to identify the culprit and establish who they are insured through, you can do that here : www.askmid.com/askmidenquiry.aspx. If you find out who damaged your vehicle and you contact them, request their insurance details. Refusal to give insurance information is a criminal offence under Section 154 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As long as you have the registration, I would use a regulated claims management company to pursue your loss. I would not use my insurer unless I really needed to.
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