In November 2009, my son borrowed my Hyundai Getz because his car had developed an electrical fault. He set off on his journey and when crawling down the slip road on to the motorway, rolled into the van in front that stopped suddenly. All the traffic on the slip road was moving slowly. He exchanged details with the driver of the van who told him not to worry.

There was no damage to my car but there was a broken light on the van. We agreed that we would pay for the damage, but the van driver sent us a claim for personal injury and we contacted our insurer. My insurance, Saga and my son’s, Elephant, were very helpful and said they would sort out between the two companies as to how they would meet the claim, which was entirely third party. Both my son and I lost no claims discounts and we thought that was the end of the matter for us. Today, I received a letter from a solicitor giving us 21 days to pay the outstanding repair costs or they would serve County Court proceedings. I contacted my insurers immediately and contacted my son to get in touch with his.

My insurer said the file was closed and his said the repair costs had been paid out on August 20th, 2010. I contacted the solicitor who said he would contact his client. Both insurance companies have asked for copies of the letter from the solicitor. I was very upset when I received the solicitor’s letter. My first impulse was simply to pay the £528.23 demanded.

I have never had any dealings with the courts and did not know what to do. Fortunately I still had copies of the paperwork from the original claim and could contact my insurance company with claim numbers etc. They were very helpful and gave me the necessary information for my son to contact Elephant. I am sure that the intention behind the letter was to frighten and wonder if you have come across this sort of thing before.