Thread: Had a bingle & Insurance Co hassling me

Hi, Opinions sought !!
Not in my Landie, but wish it was !!
I had a very minor "brush" with another car that came up behind me in a bus lane when I was changing lanes ( at the end of the lane) a few months ago.
After exchanging names & addresses, & some strong denials from her being in the 24 hour Bus lane ( a $400 fine & 3 points in Vic) we parted company.
The thing that concerned me was that the other lady seemed to have little English capability & denied any liability and strongly denied being in the bus lane.
The damage to her & my car was white scuffing - her car was black & mine green which was pretty confusing & made me think it might have been previous damage to their car.
The white markings buffed out of my car & that was it.
I got a letter from their insurance company about 3 weeks later claiming I was at fault & they would notify me of $$ owing in due course.
I replied that I accept 50/50 as their client was breaching a traffic rule & should not have been where they were as I had checked for a bus only 10 seconds prior but saw her car too late.
Luckily I have a rear dash cam & provided the screenshots below to them.
They are now still saying I am at fault but if I provide the footage they might reconsider.
Should I provide the footage or hold on to it in case this goes to court??
They haven't mentioned costs & my insurance co want $650 up front to handle it & I reckon I can kiss that goodbye...

Thanks, David

A friend had something similar - your first mistake was to admit to 50 50 - never ever admit anything - don't lie but don't admit fault. You can claim on your insurance and the problem goes away except you pay the excess, your premiums go up and etc.

I would simply send a letter back denying responsibility and if they wish to take the matter further you would be happy to let the court determine blame and abide by their decision. For the amount involved they are unlikely to take the matter further but will continue to harass and intimidate you hoping that you will cave in. Your response in all cases should be to deny responsibility and indicate you are happy for a court to adjudicate.

I would tell them that you have dash footage that will be presented in court in support of your case but I would not give them the footage. If it does go to court you may have to give it too them then but not before.

If you have advised your insurance company of the incident but not claimed be aware that it will impact you future coverage cost wise even though you have not made a claim.

Good luck with it - it is a stressful process and the insurance company will try to make it as stressful as possible to get you to pay up.

Garry