My 2009 Yaris was damaged in a doctor’s car park yesterday. The event was witnessed and the elderly disabled driver waited until I came out and gave me his insurance details, however I contacted my insurance and although I told them damage was minimal but maybe more than £500 they transferred me to a claim line that dealt with no-fault accidents, but also separate hire car company. I said I didn’t require a hire car as damage could be sorted while I was on holiday, I was then told I would have to pay excess if I didn’t have repair carried out in this way.

I think I should not have contacted my insurance, I felt more and more uncomfortable talking to claim department and could see that a repair that could be done in one or two days at most will take longer and involve hire cars. Today I have been in contact with the other driver and he says his insurance will sort it out. How do I stand with my insurance, which is AA underwritten by AXA? Can I just tell them I don’t want to claim, and will it show on my record as a claim? I feel this is a money making scam and is putting up the premiums on our insurance. I would be grateful for your advice.