Non serious RTC...should I make an insurance claim?

[middleagecyclist]

I recently wrote on my blog about an RTC I was in. I was left hooked by a motorist while filtering up the inside. No serious injury, the driver stopped, aplogised, admitted fault and offered to pay for the minimal damage to the bike. I am happy to leave it at that.

A blog reader has since suggested I should make a claim with the purpose of pushing up the drivers insurance premium and so making them behave more carefully in future. I disagree. What do others think?

 

[Graham1426]

I too disagree, the driver held his hands up and offered to cover any damage. I'm sure he will be more wary of cyclists from now on, so hopefully lesson learned.

 

[smokeysmoo]

If you're happy as you say you are with the situation then I'd leave it at that TBH. Yes it might just make the driver in question behave more carefully, but they sound like a decent sort from your description of dealings so far, and God knows, we all make mistakes. I wouldn't get myself dragged into a lengthy claim process from your description of events.

 

[gambatte]

+1
Insurance is there to cover costs, not a punitive measure. Great thinking by the other contributor as the secondary effect of this is to push up premiums for everyone. If you're after 'punishment' for bad driving thats what the laws for.

Glad to hear you're glad to leave it as it is.

Common sense 1
Americanised litigious culture* 0


*Although I'm led to believe the UK is now worse than the US?

 

[sdr gb]

As long as you are happy with the outcome, then let it be. Going down the insurance route will mean a longer wait to get your money.

 

[400bhp]

+1
Insurance is there to cover costs, not a punitive measure. Great thinking by the other contributor as the secondary effect of this is to push up premiums for everyone. If you're after 'punishment' for bad driving thats what the laws for.

Glad to hear you're glad to leave it as it is.

Common sense 1
Americanised litigious culture* 0


*Although I'm led to believe the UK is now worse than the US?

Not necessarily - [theoretically] if the driver drives better, then his future claim cost may be lower than the current (small) claim.

Interesting question - Ubberima Fides - the driver should tell his insurance company regardless of who settles the claim ("have you had any accidents...in the last x years").

See how it pans out-if they show any hint of messing you around contact his insurance company.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

+1 to the no's
Not worth the hassle and unnecessarily makes another driver anti-cyclist is my thought.
Tony

 

[tongskie01]

not in my case. driver admitted fault. told insurers no damage to my bike and no injury. case off to the lawyers to sort out.

 

[tongskie01]

but a lot of hassles too.

 

[gaz]

I wouldn't bother claiming in this situation. Not worth your own time and it seems like the driver was understanding of the situation.

On a side note, the B&M light looks good, but not sure the braking light will be recognised by other road users, very few cyclists use brake lights.

 

[blazed]

A blog reader has since suggested I should make a claim with the purpose of pushing up the drivers insurance premium and so making them behave more carefully in future. I disagree. What do others think?

What... The... F#%k

 

[middleagecyclist]

Thanks for the replies. I thought most would think the same way I did. Not actually sure if the guy who made the suggestion to claim was actually trying to wind me up or not but not much surprises me about people anymore!

Anyway, the driver has now paid up and I have my new rear light to try out. The stiff arm and back are just about gone. And I'll be even more careful around motorists!

 

[Leodis]

I didnt know you could get brake lights for bikes... What about indicators?

 

[middleagecyclist]

I didnt know you could get brake lights for bikes... What about indicators?

Yep. We now have the technology to pair rear lights to dynamos and create brake lights. All automatic and no fuss.

Indicators for bicycles have been around for quite a while. I will not be going down this route however.