Can't say for sure what I'd do in your position but my advice would be that you insist he inform his insurers, take responsibility for his actions and face the music.

He will, under the terms of his policy and any future insurance declarations, be obliged to declare the incident to any Insurance companies or comparison sights.

It's a simple case of "Does he fee lucky that no insurance company will find out about his true record?"

He most definitely won't be the first should he decide to take his chances and forget it happened. Should that be the case, though, and he is involved with a serious, or even fatal incident, he will, forever, be looking over his shoulder.

I would advise you to have a true "Heart to heart" with him, as you are obviously a very concerned and caring father.

Indeed - in my book, having two fault accidents within 18 months that write off both cars is a big sign that the driver is either not a competent one or reckless that they, at least for the moment, doesn't deserve to be driving at, for other people's safety as much as their own, never mind the financial and potential legal repercussions.

They need to be made to reflect on their own actions in this regard and take steps to change their behaviour, which could be more general, if they wish to live to old age, have a decent life and not be responsible for a tragedy and the consequences that likely follow - which could include a lengthy time behind bars, etc if that scenario occurs.

When I was in sixth form in the early 90s, two of my fellow pupils were killed (front seat passenger both times) in car accidents where another pupil was driving. The second one was definitely the fault of the driver, who had been driving recklessly way too fast (his dad's BMW, bearing in mind he would've only had a licence for a year at best) down a winding country lane at night, and lost control (over-corrected after hitting the edge of the road).

I was surprised that he wasn't imprisoned at the time. These days, I think that the authorities are more severe on such matters.

Honesty always best policy.

New driver two write offs? Seems he has a problem that is beyond insurance.

Why not sign him up to do some additional training. Wasn't it called Passplus?

Just ask him to consider how much he'd enjoy losing his license? Or killing one of his friends. Driving is a serious responsibility and poor choices usually lead to serious consequences.

We've all been new drivers and done stupid things but two write offs is two more than me in 45 years of driving.

Edited by Ethan Edwards on 02/02/2025 at 23:31

It is difficult to imagine a situation where an accident sufficient to write off a car caused no damage. While no signs may have been damaged, if the verge has been damaged or there was a leakage of fluids, someone will have to pay to put these right.

My Skoda Fabia was dragged down a nearside barrier on the M1 sc***ing every panel from stem to stern. Further investigation disclosed suspension damage which may well have pre dated the M1 incident. No damage to third party property beyond pain left on the barrier.

It was written off by the insurer albeit with a possibility of repair.

I was paid market value.