Hello, I am hoping someone is able to offer some advice for an extremely stressful situation that I have found myself in.

Back in 2023, I was contacted by my insurer that a claim has been filed by a 3rd party insurer alleging that my vehicle has hit their client's. The 3rd party claimed that they were given the car registration by a witness as the vehicle drove away after the incident. The witness also reported that they have dashcam evidence. I told my insurer that neither myself nor my vehicle were involved. We were nowhere near the location of this alleged incident. My insurer wanted photos of my vehicle which i sent them. I was very worried that this is a scam or car cloning incident but hoping it's just a mistake by the witness which the dashcam evidence would easily clarify. I kept chasing my insurer for update. They told me they contacted the 3rd party insurer for the dash cam evidence but did not get anything back. After about 6 months , they told me they closed the claim.

Then in mid 2024 the insurer (whom i was no longer with) contacted me to say they are reopening the claim again as they have received correspondence from a solicitor of the 3rd party insurer who still want to pursue the claim. I told them the same info and they say they have asked for evidence again and will contact me if further info is needed. I didn't hear anything for about 7 months.

Then, this week I received a county court claim addressed to me directly for payment related to reduced value of the vehicle. The driver of the car is listed as the claimant but it was sent on their behalf by a legal firm that I suspect represent the 3rd party insurer. I contacted my old insurer right away who was very apologetic. They said they will pass this to their legal team who will get in touch me on next steps. They seem to be on my side in this matter and felt that the claim should be addressed to them and not directly to me.

Apologies for the long essay but my questions are:

1. why would the 3rd party insurer file a claim against me and not my insurer whom they have had correspondence with before

2. there is 14day limit before which i need to reply to that claim with an admission or denial. I will not do anything for now until i hear back my insurer legal team but as the claim is filed against me, I'm really worried. If my insurer legal team is not able to help, should i get a solicitor (and have to pay for their service myself) or should i try to reply to the claim myself?

Any other advice would be much appreciated as this is causing me so much anxiety. Many thanks in advance.