My long accident free period ran out a few weeks back. I was side swiped by a Hungarian registered artic. Prevailing heavy traffic conditions had trapped me in his blind spot as he pulled out to overtake a slow moving vehicle. We stopped and exchanged details as best we could (he spoke no English). I rang my insurers when I got home to report the incident. They stated that whilst most continental lorries operating in this country deal with insurance claims through some sort of claims handling register, the haulage company concerned is not recorded and in that case they (my insurers) will have to contact them in Hungary in order to pursue a claim.

I was told that if the haulage company deny liability or don’t respond, my claim if I went ahead would be treated as my fault and affect future premiums. I have had a local body shop assess the damage which amounts to around £1500. Luckily, the damage is all cosmetic and the vehicle is perfectly driveable, however it’s a 2002 vehicle with 180k on the clock, albeit in good working order and prior to this damage, in good condition.

I have several options:

Let my insurers deal with it in their own time and hope the other side accept liability.

Let my insurers repair my vehicle and take the hit long term in increased premiums.

Terminate the claim and pay for the repairs myself.

Terminate the claim and live with the damage until I either sc*** or sell on the car, which I wasn’t planning to do anytime soon.

If any of you out there have had a similar experience, what happened in your case?

Your opinions and advice are welcome.

Edited by dereckr on 01/08/2010 at 20:32