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Vauxhall Corsa - how long after a bump can someobe claim on you?! - nikkiv

Hi, well I stupidly reversed into a van in the middle of August 2013. I was reversing out of a parking space and was going pretty slowly but was concentrating on not hitting the car which was edging into my space and caught the van. I spoke to the driver and as the damage was so small asked to pay for the repair rather than going through ny insurance. He said he would have to speak to his boss so I gave him my name, phone number, registration and told him my place of work , which was right near to where the bump happened. I didn't hear anything about it so after a week I rang the company for a update. They said they were getting it looked at and asked for my insurance details. I explained again that I'd rather wait to see if I could pay for it without losing my no claims. They said they would be in touch, I went on holiday the week after and expected that when I came back then someone would be in touch but there was nothing. So I waited and waited... I regularly see the driver of the van as he delivers right next to where I work, so figured if they lost my phone number then someone would of been in to see me. I heard nothing untill today when someone from work rung me to say a man had been in asking for our boss, she explained that the boss was away and he went on to say it was regarded one of the employees reversing into his van last year. The girl working forgot about what had happened so told him to come back but when she remembered she called me, now I'm really worried! Can he still claim on me 16 months after the accident? I know I didn't actively find out what was happening but I figured the damage was so little he just left it. Surely he should of been in touch sooner? I'm also concerned that maybe something has happened which means there is more damage now and he is trying to blame it on me?! I didn't take photos when it happened because there wasn't much to see! I'm confused why he has left it so long!?!

Vauxhall Corsa - how long after a bump can someobe claim on you?! - No_FM2R

There are two different potential issues;

How long do they have to seek reimbursement from you? Well I am afraid that they are well within that time.

How long do you have to notify your insurer of a claim? Well you may be well outside that.

I suggest that the first thing is to speak to the other driver and find out what is going on.

Don't commit to anything, admit anything or comment more than you need to. Do ask them why it has taken so long.

You need to find out what they're up to before deciding how to deal with it. He's probably after selling the van and wants the work done.

And resisting the claim is probably the way to go, but lets find out what they're after first.

Vauxhall Corsa - how long after a bump can someobe claim on you?! - Simon

I'd just bluff it if I was you and keep my head down. Unless he can provide your name, registration number or anything else to go on, don't readily stick your head above the parapet. 16 months is taking the mick.

Vauxhall Corsa - how long after a bump can someobe claim on you?! - focussed

You might think that 16 months is taking the mickey but the limit of liability for civil claims not involving injury or death in the UK is 6 years.

Vauxhall Corsa - how long after a bump can someobe claim on you?! - motorclaimguru

Hi,

They can legally claim upto 6 years after the accident, what may be happening is that the lease on the van is up, and as part of the agreement they have, they would need to get any previous damage repaired prior to it going back.

Do you have any photos of the damage to his and your vehicle?

Contact your insurer, advise them of the incident, but advise them of your concerns in relation to his claim, and that you believed there to be little or no damage to his vehicle and that your thought it was going to be settled between yourselves.

Contact the Van owner , or company he works for , and ask them to clarify exactly what damage to their vehicle they say you have caused.

It may be their trying to claim for damage that you have not caused.

If it is minor, it may be cheaper for you to pay yourself.

If you have any queries, my website is www.motorclaimguru.co.uk for free advice, if you get stuck , send a contact from that page , and i will assist and guide you.

Regards

Tim