My neighbour reversed into my car!?

Question

She has offered to pay for the damage rather then go through insurance people, firstly why do you think she chose this way and is it a good idea for me?

Answer 1

Wow, sorry about your car. I think she might have gone that way because if she tells the insurance company, her rates will go up and will probably cost her more than the repair in the long run.
Your rates may go up, too, even though it wasn't your fault. If she is good for the $ I might consider taking her offer. Greedy insurance companies. :)

Answer 2

It’s actually a great idea for both of you. If you report it to your insurance company, yes they will pay it, but you will be responsible for the copay. Also, even though this was not your fault, this “accident” is kept in your record and can be used to determine future insurance prices being raised if more incidences were to occur.

The same is true for your neighbor. She probably doesn’t want to go through the hassle of insurance companies, have this on her record, and possible raise the price of her insurance also.

Since she is taking full responsibility for the accident and plans to pay I would agree with her. Although I would be strict about it. Go and get the car estimated and tell her how much it will cost and give her a time period to pay within. If she is unable or unwilling to come up with the money within a reasonable amount of time you should go to your insurance company. But don’t take too much time, or it may be too late.

Answer 3

because she doen't want to lose her no claims bonus. Because maybe she just wants to be a good neighbour.

A couple of years ago I accidentally ripped the wing mirror from my neighbours car, whilst reversing. I told him to have it repaired, and to send me the bill. I did this to be a good neighbour. What I DIDN'T do, was offer to have some shady garage somewhere tart it up on the cheap. HE chose the garage, obtained an estimate, and I agreed. That was being a good neighbour.

If your neighbour is offering to pay for the repair, then presumably she is quite agreeable for you to obtain a couple of quotations from reputable garages. But be careful, because sometimes someone will offer to pay for a repair, but then quibble when they see the estimate. They will then imply that they know somewhere ( shady) they can have the job done MUCH cheaper.

Of course it works both ways. I have heard of people trying to obtain a full respray on the basis that "their neighbour has agreed to pay for it".

It all depends how much you know and trust your neighbour. Also is it worth falling out with your neighbour over the cost of the repair, or the quality of the repair?

Personally I would rather trust someone and be let down, rather than go through life not trusting ANYONE. So go with your instincts.

Answer 4

She wants to go out of pocket because she is scared her rates will be increased or her insurance will drop her.

As the not at fault party it is your right to go through insurance or not through insurance as you please but be warned- you should be very weary of out of pocket repairs.

Why? Because first of all people will see minor damage on a vehicle and assume the repairs will cost a couple hundred bucks- people get surprised when they get to the shop and realize most repairs cost in the thousands. If she sees this and then takes back her offer for out of pocket- youve already wasted time.

Second- does she realize she owes you a rental? and who wants to argue with their neighbor about whether they should put in a rental or not?

It just makes it easier to let the pros handle it- but if you want to be a nice person- go for it- just be aware of the possible consequences

Answer 5

Sit down and think about it:

advantages:
1) you don't have to deal with insurance companies
2) you and she both keep your NCB
3) it can help avoid bad feeling if you do it privately

disadvantages:
1) she may not pay or may complain about the amount the repair costs
2) if you are chasing her for money - and making her feel bad - then she could psychologically 'project' the blame onto you.
3) if there are problems at a later date, it is harder to chase who's at fault

there are probably more pros/cons - think about it seriously before making a decision

Answer 6

Cause it is one less accident for both of you on your records, and probably will cost the neighbour less than loss of her no claim bonuses for the next 3 or 4 years.
The number of accidents is taken into consideration when you apply for insurance, some companies only want safe drivers so that "accident" could cot you dear, also there is no need for anyone to know when you sell it on, that recorded accident will cost at least £200 when you sell so accept the offer.

Answer 7

Does your neighbor have the money to cover the damage? She wants to pay for it herself because in the long run it will be cheaper. When you report an accident, it makes your insurance premiums rise (sometimes VERY significantly) for three years.

Make sure you take detailed pictures of the damage, and get several estimates for the cost to fix it.

Answer 8

Ever watch the court shows? It never works out when you do it outside of insurance, usually they have something to hide.

Don't even talk to her - call your insurance company. The two insurance companys will talk and set up fixing your car. Your insurance company would also have a lawyer on hand in case it gets to that point.

Answer 9

Chances are, her insurance company is coming close to dropping her for too many tickets, accidents, etc. I had a friend who did that and paid the person outright for the damages. She received a copy of the estimate and paid them that stated amount. As long as you know your neighbor is good for the money, then it really isn't a huge deal.

Answer 10

you are generally required under the terms of your insurance to report any accident you are involved in even if it's not your fault and you do not intend to claim.

Failing to do so can invalidate your insurance so be very careful when considering what you should do in this situation.

Your neighbour is simply trying to avoid higher insurance costs next year, and what she is doing, if she doesn't tell her insurance, could be illegal.

The advice already given to get several quotes from reputable repairers is sensible,