Author Topic: International driver on my car  (Read 380 times)

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Jaykab

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International driver on my car
« on: March 18, 2024, 02:45:07 am »
Dear all,

I'm seeking advice on a situation involving a friend from South Africa who was driving my car while I was at work. Regrettably, he was involved in an accident, and the other driver left the scene without exchanging details. Initially, when contacted by the insurance company, I stated that I was unaware of who was driving the car because I didn't even know the event occurred.

However, it has since come to my attention that my friend was indeed driving during the accident. The police have subsequently sent me a letter requesting information on the driver. Complicating matters, the hit-and-run driver claims to be a victim and asserts having witnesses, despite failing to stop.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance on the potential repercussions if I disclose to the police that it was my friend from South Africa who was driving. Additionally, I'm curious about the type of evidence they might require.

Thank you for any insights or assistance you can offer.

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slapdash

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Re: International driver on my car
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2024, 05:55:35 am »
Have you received an S172 request to name the driver. ? Not naming a driver will be 6 pts.

Naming the wrong driver could be prison.

Did they have insurance ? If not there's another potential 6 ptsfor permitting. If you added them to your policy was their licence type and residency made clear to your insurer. If they arranged their own check the terms, many temporary insurers will not cover non uk licencesor non uk residents.

If unisured then the insurers will likely settle and refuse indemnity. They recover their costs from you.

If the driver is back in SAF it is unlikely the police will persue them for any related offences.

Police will quite likely contact the driver in SAF, claims of a foreign driver who has returned are often viewed with scepticism.


666

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Re: International driver on my car
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2024, 06:22:14 am »

I would greatly appreciate any guidance on the potential repercussions if I disclose to the police that it was my friend from South Africa who was driving.
Nothing like as bad as the repercussions if you don't.

guest46

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Re: International driver on my car
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2024, 06:58:22 am »
As above - if you mess about the police may dig into this further and discover the insurance issue (was he insured?) if there is one. Return the form, get free proof of posting from the PO with all the details completed/correct. Is your 'friend' still in the UK? You'll need a serviceable address to stand any chance of this going away.

I suggest the 'hit and run' is a smokescreen by your friend as the other party would be a bit daft to pursue a claim if s/he did indeed fail to stop - and how would s/he have the datails to claim against? Is it significant damage? Possibly a cash settlement from your friend?

andy_foster

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Re: International driver on my car
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2024, 07:16:46 am »
The story seems a tad "disjointed".

The OP's "international" friend from the Rainbow Nation was involved in an RTA in the OP's car, and the other driver left without exchanging details.
The OP initially [told the insurers that he] was unaware of the incident. How badly damaged was the car if he didn't notice?
And it was a hit and run, and the other driver who failed to exchange details also failed to stop.

And the OP want's to know if there are any repercussions if he complies with his legal duty (assuming that he has received an s. 172 requirement) and names his South African friend. Generally there aren't any repercussions from telling the truth, unless the truth discloses a criminal offence, or the truth isn't.

I would suggest that the OP clarifies exactly what has happened before this thread enters a downward spiral.
 
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