Early Sunday afternoon, my car (parked in front of my house) was badly damaged by someone reversing at, what must have been, considerable speed. There is a large bash in the rear quarter panel and deep scratches. The driver owned up to it immediately and we exchanged information. I took all his insurance details. A little while later, while I was digging out my insurance documents, he came back to ask me if I wouldn't mind settling this without getting the insurers involved - i.e. he would pay the cost of all the repairs. He explained that his partner's father owned a bodyshop repair business, which he assured me was reputable. We agreed to let the father have a look at the damage to my car. The father seemed genuine and, after having a look at my car, he said that because the damage was considerable, it would really have to go through the insurer, but that he could assist by arranging this for me. I gave him my details, and I was confident, that this was above-board.
This morning, he contacted me to say that he was going to put this through as 'non-fault', or something similar-sounding. Being young, with limited motor-experience (and no previous accidents either caused by me or by someone else), I was a little unsure about what this meant, although he assured me that it would not have any implications for my insurance (such as losing no-claims discount or hikes in future premiums). I agreed, not having any other source of information, but was still nervous about this arrangement. My major concern is that the technician repairing the car is not exactly independent, given his relationship with the other driver, and may have the interests of the other driver at heart. It has been passed onto some sort of accident management company, Accident Claims Scotland Ltd., who are processing the claim on my behalf.
They contacted me this morning to advise me of the process; the car will be going in on Thursday for repair, I will meet ACS and their 'Independent Engineer' who will assess the damage and agree the work and cost 'on my behalf', and I will be given a courtesy car. Again, they have assured that there will not be any further implications for my insurance in future. I am still concerned, mainly due to the relationship between the garage and the driver who is at fault, and with what 'non-fault' means/entails. I'm sorry for the length of my post, but I would appreciate any advice that anyone can offer. I called my bank, through which I have access to free legal advice, but I wasn't able to give them all the information they needed. Thanks in advance, Paul
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Something else I forgot to mention: at the time of the accident, the driver at fault mentioned that he 'had been drinking' (I guess heavily) the night before. I don't bear any bad feelings towards him, but I need to make sure that this doesn't impact on my chance of getting insurance in future - it is already costly enough when you're 22, male, and drive an Alfa Romeo!!!! :)