In December 2010 I parked outside a shop very early in the snow and ice. When I came out the car park was empty. I reversed back, but could not see properly with ice on my rear window. I heard a noise, and discovered a taxi driver had parked behind me, while I was adjusting things and starting my car. I felt responsible, and had marked his rear door. He became very friendly, and would get it repaired, and get an estimate. He wanted over £500, which was ridiculous, and then got very angry when I decided to go through my insurance.

I have been driving for 40 years without claiming anything from my own insurance. I lost two years' NCD. I then received a nasty letter from a solicitor, claiming personal injuries caused by my negligent driving. I sent the insurance company a full report, telling them exactly what happened. The only injury was to my nerves, and the taxi man's greed. You can imagine how disgusted and betrayed I felt, when I discovered this greedy little man has been paid over £6000 for personal injury, loss of earnings and damage to his car. The insurance company doubled my premium this year.

Is it any wonder that insurance is rising so much? I receive texts wanting me to claim for injury, 'no win no fee'. This is 'legal theft'. Afraid of court fees, insurance companies are settling out of court. I now have a personal injury claim on record. They could have showed the magistrate my letter and description of the accident. Their insurance assessor would have had to examine the car for damage. I feel betrayed. I could not believe how easy it is to get money like this through complete dishonesty. Where will it end?