Insurers - claiming where police have failed?

Mudskipper · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

I've finally heard from the police re: my report of a van damaging my parked bike last October. Seems since I didn't get the witnesses details (who gave me his reg no.) and he denied the incident and provided an alibi, theres nowt they can do.

She suggested I phone my insurers, who may try to claim off his insurers.

How does this work? Surely he'll say the same thing? And would this affect my future insurance quotes - does this count as a 'claim' with regards to NCB's? Confused

Stoopid question, but I know feck all about insurance.

The damage only amounted to about 50 quid (plus my labour Razz

) but I'm still quite mad that I had to pay for it. Evil or Very Mad

Any advice welcomed. Thumbs Up

Mudskipper Mr. Green

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CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS Mr. Green

"You're clumsy, you eat too much and you behave like a 12 year old boy. But you know what? Every once in a while, you find a thumb."

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Chances are that without the witness then it is your word against his, and so unlikely his insurance company would pay out. If you tried to claim from your insurance in the hope they would claim from his (if fully comp, TPFT you would have to do it all yourself and your insurance company have no reason to be interested at all) then you would loose your no claims.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

Mudskipper · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Cheers for that. I'm only TPFT, so looks like I can just write it off as unfortunate, and remember to get witness details next time!!!

Hope it at least left some red scratches on his bumper...
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CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS Mr. Green

"You're clumsy, you eat too much and you behave like a 12 year old boy. But you know what? Every once in a while, you find a thumb."

RatBlack · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Karma :

For the sake of £50 I would personally say it is not worth the hassle. Cut your losses and try and forget about it.

I recall a job were a van engaged reverse and hit the car behind. Van driver then changed his mind and said the car hit him. No witnesses meant car driver paying for his own damage.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

The amount of proof needed in a civil case is less than that needed for the police to prosecute. Talk to your insurance and/or good solicitors.

As it's over £50, I'd have thought as thats a very small amount they might actually just pay up to get you to shut up and go away, as if you won after using lots of solicitor time then that £50 bill will suddenly have become £5k.

silent · Scooby Slapper Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Karma :

pretty much all driving offenses are summary, this included i think, therefore the police would need only balance of probabilities to win. but without a witness his against there word...aint gonna win, simple as. they have done the right thing, no need to waste your time, our tax paying money and get your hopes up. Its a no hoper.

Andy