Car crash, my fault - should I use insurance?

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Bogzilla

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So I was in a car crash, it was my fault.

Quote to fix my car is 800 euro, quote for other car is also 800. Both approx.

I am 40 years old and have no claims history, NCB of 7 years. Car is Octavia, worth about 16k.

My policy excess is 375 euro and I have 3 year step back protection. The premium on the car was 350.

Not sure if it would be better to use insurance for both claims (his and mine) or better to just pay up and get both fixed.

Thanks
 
Be careful here, you may assume that it's all just damage related, what happens in two weeks if other driver tells you they've whiplash or such like.

If I were you I'd notify your insurer to cover yourself, if you decide to pay it yourself then you're covered and won't affect your no claims bonus....as far as I recall from a previous accident a few years ago
 
I agree things often take a different turn than they started out. If it stays as is I would pay for the repairs myself but if it changes and the other persons costs increase then it may become an insurance claim. You are obliged to let your insurance company know hopefully you can just pay and get this sorted quickly enough.
 
After the crash happened a guard was driving past and stopped, we went through all the details, no issue, I asked him if I am obliged to notify my insurer, he said no and his advice was to resolve it without insurance.
 
Interesting I was not aware I thought it was obligatory I had a nosy on my policy there with Aviva they say “it is crucial that you contact Aviva immediately” but that may be open for interpretation. I think I would be having a look at my policy.

They also say “Even if you plan on paying for the damage yourself, it’s vital to inform your insurer immediately; this is because the other driver may bring a claim in the future.” A recommendation and requirement are different but this is unclear which this is.
 
You can generally call up your insurer and they will tell you what impact it would have on your policy.

This is what I did after a break-in and it wasn’t worth my while making a claim
 
Bogzilla said:
After the crash happened a guard was driving past and stopped, we went through all the details, no issue, I asked him if I am obliged to notify my insurer, he said no
Click to expand...
I'm not sure that that's correct. Check your policy booklet/terms and conditions.
 
As above, the Garda was almost certainly incorrect. Any policy I have seen over the years always included a stipulation that the insurer must be alerted at the earliest opportunity of any potential claim. The risk you run here is that you pay the other party, then they come back to you in a month's time complaining about neck or other soft tissue injuries and seeking thousands in compensation. At that point your insurer will most likely refuse cover and you will end up having to fork out having already admitted liability.

You must inform the insurer, it may even be possible have them handle the other party's claim to then repay them to lessen the impact on your renewal.
 
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1. Most motor insurance policies will have a condition obliging the policyholder to notify an accident.
2. Most motor insurance policies will have a condition prohibiting direct negotiations and or the making of admissions of liability.
3. If the accident happens in a public place the accident must be reported to the motor insurers under the RTA 1961 (S 71 & S 72.)
4. Even if you settle privately you will probably have to disclose the accident at renewal anyway. Whilst much depends on the wording of the renewal notice terms/wording it will probably constitute a misrepresentation to renew without declaring the accident.
5. Misrepresentation initially, or at renewal, is an offence under RTA 1961 (S 64.)

Private negotiated settlements can turn sour very quickly. Generally, I regard them as a bad idea.

However, there may be circumstances where a reasonable negotiated settlement is possible. Suppose you damaged a friend's car in their driveway and they are looking for repair costs only. What you would do there is ask your insurers for permission first before proceeding to settle.
 
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