I was in a minor accident last month. Someone slammed on their brakes in front of me and I slammed on mine but unfortunately bumped into them. We were going maybe 15 miles per hour. There was no damage to either vehicle. Everyone was fine. We decided to take information anyway just in case and each went on our way. The police weren't called. I have comprehensive insurance with Aviva. So I get a letter in the mail yesterday from a solicitor stating the driver is claiming whiplash. I get a letter in the mail today with his passenger claiming whiplash as well. I haven't been in an accident in over 15 years. When I was in one in the US, they made a claim against your insurance and no lawyers are involved. This is scaring the crap out of me! Does my insurance cover this like in the States? Or am I being sued personally? Like going to court sued? They didn't even have the driver correct. The paperwork says my fiance was driving and he doesn't even drive! He's a cyclist. And they say Americans are "sue happy." Ugh..
Answer by blackgrumpycat
I can't work out if you were visiting the UK and are now back in the States, or are now living in the UK. Regardless, it sounds like a bit of a scam to me. Contact your insurers, they will advise you what to do.
Answer by TSK
Firstly, be aware you are likely to have to accept liability, as you went into someone. That is just the way it is. Oh yes the old whiplash one. Do not worry. You were insured and the insurance company will take care of everything. Been there !!! You are not being sued personally.
I had one, last year, when parked and about to get out of the car, an old guy backed up into me. I claimed my insurance excess back, from his insurance company, and he then, months later, had the cheek to say I was moving too and should go 50/50 on it. His word against mine so, I had to pay and had a higher premium the next time, as a result. Wouldn't mind, but I am a hard working teacher and he had a massive house in a posh area! He had this thing that we were trying to rip him off, not believing the damage that HAD been done to my care, resulting in an expensive body job, when all we wanted was for him to accept liability! Still makes my blood boil. Always contact the police if happens here again!!! Trust no one!
Answer by JOHN G
Every body's car insurance has gone up by around 25% this year in the UK cos of people like the one you bumped into , many are doing on purpose just so they can claim compensation - if the details are wrong then it will probably be thrown out of court.
Answer by robert
Contact your insurance company. Let your insurance deal with it. It's their
job. Try to remember everything you can and draw a sketch (actually on a claims
form there's a space set aside for the sketch).
Unfortunately as you went into them, then you will be found to be at fault.
If it was that minor then the whiplash claim sounds dubious. It's often seen
as a quick way to make a couple thousand quid. Hopefully your insurance
company will have the medical report sent to them detailing the other guy's
injury. Depending on the facts they receive your insurance may contest it.
Answer by Tony
Try to deal it out of pocket, otherwise insurance rates will go up much more. You can check how quotes will change here - autoinsurance.undonet.com
Give your answer to this question below!
Orignal From: How do auto insurance claims work in the UK?
Post a Comment