Don't want to waste your time, officer, but.....

[Twilkes]

Got a nudge from behind on a roundabout today, low speed, very civilised but bent rim and broken mudguard which I'd like reimbursed for.

Got the woman's mobile number at the time and mentioned paying for damages, but calling it tonight it's either not hers (likely) or someone else is pretending it's not hers (unlikely). I may have taken it down incorrectly (unlikely). So had to report it to the police (with the reg no) which I didn't really want to do - just want to make contact and get the money back.

No witnesses, but I've got a description of the woman and the damage done to her number plate.

Any ideas what the police will do from here?

 

[derrick]

Not a lot.

 

[Kookas]

Should have got her insurance details. Think there's nothing you can really do, now.

 

[gaz]

We aren't in america, most people a. don't carry their insurance in their cars b. don't know the insurance information off the top of their heads.

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

Whatever the speed, she hit you, then she left the scene of an accident. Whether you're on a bike or in a Ferrari the process and penalty should be the same.
Perhaps she has to post on Twitter for someone to take it seriously.

 

[Twilkes]

Everyone has to leave the scene of an accident at some point, it's not like she sped straight off. 8-)

I was asked to report in person at the police station tomorrow, will see what they say they'll do and if they're not that enthusiastic I'll chalk it down to experience, the cost of police time would be more than the damage anyway. At least if they made contact she'd know I hadn't just rolled over and that she could do the same thing next time, assuming that she intentionally gave an incorrect mobile number.

At least I have an excuse to build another wheel now.

 

[boydj]

If she gave an incorrect number, she has committed a crime. The police should be taking that seriously. They should be at least be able to get her insurance details from her.

Also, as she has caused damage, you have a legitimate reason to get her details from the DVLA and a letter to her insurance company could cause her some issues.

 

[Kookas]

Actually, how do you make an insurance claim? I've never done it.

From what I read, you get the driver's details, note down the reg and report it to the police, but then what? How do you make a claim with just a name and address?

 

[Davidc]

If you're a CTC member speak to the legal helpline . Amazing what a solicitor's letter does.

 

[I like Skol]

If she gave an incorrect number, she has committed a crime. The police should be taking that seriously. They should be at least be able to get her insurance details from her.

Don't hold your breath. I got rear ended by another vehicle when I was in my Jeep. The 57 plate vehicle sped away from the scene (but not before I noted the make, model, colour and registration plate in full!). I reported the incident even though there was no damage done to my jeep, the towbar took the hit but the bonnet of the car was badly crumpled! . The police ran the reg and found the vehicle details, as it was insured, taxed etc and there was no injuries or damages suffered by my party (both kids in the car with me at the time) they did NOTHING!!!!!!

Also, as she has caused damage, you have a legitimate reason to get her details from the DVLA and a letter to her insurance company could cause her some issues.

^^^^^ This I was going to suggest, although I believe there is a small search fee (£5?). If you have alegitimate reason they will release owner/registered keeper details. If you employ legal help through CTC or similar I would expect them to do this on your behalf.

 

[Beebo]

With everyone having a camera phone you should always try to take a photo of the car, the location, any damage and get a photo of the driver. It doesnt have to be a full mug shot as this could be quite confrontational.

 

[Matthew_T]

Go back to the scene and have a look for any CCTV near where it happened. Look for shops, etc as they will probably have a camera outside that might catch part of the car so that the police have something to go on. TBH it will be the polices job to look for CCTV but there is nothing wrong with having a look and helping officers by saying "The camera on ----- that points at the road might have caught something".

 

[Spinney]

I suppose it also shows that if someone gives you a mobile phone number - phone it on the spot. If no phone rings on them/in their car, they have lied to you...

 

[BSRU]

It is a sad fact some people are willing to blatantly lie in order to save forking out cash or loosing their precious no claims bonus rather than pay up for their mistake. Harder to do if caught on camera

 

[fossyant]

Go back to the scene and have a look for any CCTV near where it happened. Look for shops, etc as they will probably have a camera outside that might catch part of the car so that the police have something to go on. TBH it will be the polices job to look for CCTV but there is nothing wrong with having a look and helping officers by saying "The camera on ----- that points at the road might have caught something".

Won't happen. Minor RTA, the Police will not, nor have the resources, to look at CCTV footage for a minor bump.