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Looking for input here.
So I go's to pelicans nest, (Just up the street).
To get my Friday night fish dinner.
I get in my little red sports car, (been sitting for a few days)
Run up the street and park behind a SUV. A Patrol or a Land cruiser.
You know, one of those huge 4 wheel drive thingy's.
While I'm waiting for my food, I stand at the door of Pelicans in horror as this moron in the SUV backs up, pushing my little roadster backwards about a half meter, then puts it in gear and drives off!
I go's to the Police station, just blocks away as soon as my food comes up.
Yes I have his Number plate, Yes they pull him up Straight away, and get him on the phone.
The Police say they don't wish to charge him with hit and run .
They have rung him on the phone and he agree's to give me his contact's.
I talk to him on the police phone and he says he'll come straight over to my house and exchange details.
He comes to my house an hour later . I tell him to repair my paint and my personalized plate. 400 hundred bucks and he can be off the hook' He balkes and wants estimates.
Sighting these things could go up.
I said to him. I don't know what your excess is, but most of us have a 500 hundred dollar excess.
Do you really want a accident on your record?
Still he balkes at 400 hundred bucks .
Me, I'd be happy to pay 400 hundred bucks and be off the hook Scott free.
But this guy seems to want to get off cheaper!
My paint isn't that bad, A touch up guy can repair it.
My personalized pate is damaged.
It needs to be replaced.
Opinions?

You insured?
Process with yours, they don't care the cost as they're not paying PLUS THEY'll chase the hell out of the guy to pay- with debt collectors and the like.
Think you're being too nice, not you're fault, he's dodgy just for driving away.
Make him pay I say (been burnt before in very similar circumstances too!)

^+1

If you have comprehensive insurance, go through them, let them fight the battle and chase the money. Less hassle.

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Jeez, was is it with the police? What if the guy had reversed into a child?

I'll be honest here, I would be iffy too if someone asked me for $400 cash. There is a common scam where people ask for cash at the roadside and then claim on insurance anyway, no paper trail and it is your word against theirs. The person who was scammed then loses their cash and has to pay an excess.

Also, to protect yourself, what if you go to the touch up guys and the clips on your bumper are broken or there is more damage? Would you go back and ask for more cash? The safest way to do it is lodge a not-at-fault claim with your insurer and that way it costs whatever it costs, not your problem any more. Plus if you are with Shannon's or another decent insurer you will get a lifetime repair guarantee.

In short, paying cash for car accidents/incidents is never advisable


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Yes I am Insured.
I will call them in the morning.
No, the damage isn't that bad. And yes I think the touch up guy could fix the paint.
Do I think the cops should be so nice to this guy?
Well, He's not tattooed like I am.
I will need a new number plate, And the paint will never be factory ever again.
Was asking for enough to cover this to Much?

He tried to run away? Take him to the cleaners.

Make your insurance company do the running around, fixing your car etc, that's what you pay them for!

This way the 4wd guy might learn his lesson and take more care in the future, his insurance rates will go up and he'll have to declare the accident on his driving history. How could he not have noticed pushing your car that far? Perhaps he'd been drinking? He might be getting off a lot lighter than he deserves.

Not sure what tattoo's have to do with it?

I would go back to the police and report the accident. You now have his details. When the police say there isn't enough damage to require a report. You say he refuses to pay and you need a report number for insurance. Even ask for the same coppers again if possible. Then it goes through the system, and the police have a complaint, and then they will act on it. Driver of the 2WD will suffer more.

Not much you can do when being nice and offering a inexpensive $400 option is refused.

He did a hit and run, you've got comprehensive cover, you've given him a chance to settle this without affecting his insurance...I'd now make the claim through your insurance as you won't have to pay anything and you'd get a proper respray rather just a touch up.

^+1 you offered to help him out with a cheap
Option which he declined. I would get it done properly and if you have choice of repairer you can choose the more expensive option.

It doesn't take much to rack up big paint and panel bills. $400 would not go far, I don't know what you based that figure on, but you might get a surprise when you get the quote ... that is the second reason why I think the insurance route is the way to go. Given he won't play ball, that is your best chance now.

Just because you reported it to the police doesn't mean you can relax. What other evidence do you have that it was this driver/car that hit you? Did anyone else see the accident that you can get a witness statement from? Did anyone witness your conversation with the driver, and hear him make any admissions? Is there a police report on the accident? Has he been charged?

I am guessing that there is not much physical evidence of this incident on his car, what you have to watch is that he now denies that he/his car was involved.

I have done this a few times, from both sides. I would suggest that you get some quotes, draw up an agreement for you both to sign saying that you have got $x in full settlement of the incident of such and such a date (with photos), and see if that shifts him. In any event that will tell you what you are facing in the worst case scenario. If that fails, go talk to your insurance company.

Good luck

Why bother paying for insurance if you're not going to use their expertise?

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Lack of trust?

Dann

NitroDann wrote:Lack of trust?

Dann

If that's the reason ... why even pay for it in the first place?

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