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I had a minor collision in my wife's car - where do I stand if my insurance doesn't cover me?

I recently bought my wife a new vehicle but did not part-exchange her old one as the new vehicle was bought privately. The new vehicle had to have work done it, so she used my car on which she is a named driver. I used her old car which had tax, MoT and which I thought I was covered on my insurance third party.

I literally tapped a minibus from behind whilst crawling on a motorway. We stopped and I gave the driver a card with my details, but no insurance details.The damage was to my car was cracked bumper paint and to his two tiny marks where the bumper screws touched his bumper. He had passengers on board who I am sure have left the country as we were within a mile or so of Gatwick. My concern is that if the driver exaggerates damage or injury, where do I stand if the insurance cover is not there?

Asked on 16 August 2010 by curtain1964

Answered by Lucy
If there was no insurance in place on the vehicle then whether you were covered on your insurance depends on the precise terms of your policy. Many do not now offer cover on vehicles registered to your address. Whether or not the policy covers it, given the limited nature of the damage, you will almost certainly be better off "self insuring" or paying for their repairs unless there is a personal injury claim involved.

The limited damage to your vehicle may well assist you but it is always wise to ensure: a). You are insured for any vehicle you drive in all circumstances. If passengers are injured costs can go well beyond most people's private means. b). That you take photographs of damage to all vehicles and any evidence (such as final positions of vehicles, skid marks etc. if safe to do so) so you can refer to it later should this become necessary.

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