Clonked a car with the carriage :(

[beth21]

Not trying to avoid anything. Just looking for best outcome. But you're right, given the hazards of carriage driving, in the overall scheme of things, all that matters is nobody hurt (two of my kids were on board at the time). Don't really care about the carriage either, particularly. I've been driving long enough to know that much worse can happen!

Okay well that's fair enough, can't blame you for trying. I didn't want to seem as if I was jumping on you, I just think it's easy to lose perspective in these situations. I'm glad all involved are okay, especially with little ones involved. It won't do any harm to do your research/get professional advice but don't let it drag on too long. It'll only get you down and the driver may begin to lose patience!

 

[ossy]

I'd just contact my insurance company and provide details, that's what i pay insurance for. I had an incident ridden where it was a simlar situation narrow village high street cars parked either side. We waited for a break in traffic and continued but part way up a car came towards us very close as avoiding cars on there side, my horse cow kicked the car as it went past no idea why never done it before or since. Sent insurance company details and they dealt with it. Car driver was deemed at fault for being too close. If it was the car that didn't leave enough room then yes I can see how u might not think it is your fault but if you carried on not giving your self enough room then you take the consequences.

 

[Wiz201]

Many years ago (over 30) I damaged a car with my trap. I used the insurance through my BHS membership and they dealt with the car owners insurance. sorted it all out for me, and I didn't pay anything.

yeah my car insurance did that when I hit a pedestrian who came out from between parked cars at the last minute so I couldn't stop in time. No witnesses so I took the blame but didn't pay anything; just higher premium and lost my no claims bonus. Shouldn't have been my fault but there you go

Thanks everyone for comments. I should clarify... both vehicles were being driven at the time - not a parked car. If both were cars, insurers would take a 'knock for knock' approach, but standard practice regarding car insurance doesn't necessarily apply, hence I doubt the BDS insurer would pay without contesting liability... the worst outcome here is a claim on both insurances with a legal wrangle in the middle, with costs far exceeding the damage done.
As others have said, I'm hoping with reasonable quotes it can just be fixed without going through (either) insurance at all - after all, it's not much more than a parking ding. Certainly if it were my vehicle, that's what I'd do, but it's not mine, so if they choose to go with an 'insurance approved' garage at 10x the proper cost, there's nothing I can do.

I agree that I'd be unhappy if it were my car, but I can't undo what is done, and couldn't have done anything different anyhow. It's not like same horse hasn't been past same gate many times.

Did you take a photo of the damage? Unfortunately if a car body shop can't get the scratch out and its a major one, it might mean a new door needed. It should be you that takes full blame

 

[catroo]

I understand why you are not publicly admitting liability and I would do the same.

The driver of the car should let his insurance company know, not informing them of an incident will invalidate their insurance. Not sure if that applies to your insurance as well but probably does, it applies to most types. Best to stay civil and leave it to insurance companies

 

[Batgirl]

Unfortunately in situations (no matter how accidental or unfortunate) where you cause the damage, there is no way to minimise the cost or inconvenience (without being dishonest). You really just have to put it down as a life experience, pay up and move on. You're lucky that you're being given a choice to go through insurance or privately IMO, many would not have even given you the choice given that the accident was (seemingly, not wanting to make assumptions) your fault.

A couple of months ago, I was behind someone at a junction in my car. They went to pull out, so I looked the other way for my own gap and stupidly didn't realise they'd slammed their breaks on so I went straight into the back of them. Both cars, the other driver and myself were fine which is all I really care about in that situation. Yes it was frustrating but it was my fault and I wouldn't have even considered claiming anything otherwise or trying to minimise the cost or inconvenience to myself. I chalked it up as a life experience and took a chunk of my precious house savings to pay my excess.

Look at this way, your carriage is seemingly undamaged, yourself, the other driver and not to mention your beloved pony are all OK. Things could have been much, much worse. I really feel that a reality check is in order here. Pay up, wash your hands of it and get back to enjoying your pony. The longer you look for a solution (that likely doesn't exist), the longer it'll be hanging over you.

rubbish, of course you can minimise cost and inconvenience - insurance company approved garages put huge premiums on their repairs (I know I worked in the industry) £2500 bill for £700 damage - the former you would probably go through insurance, the latter maybe pay yourself.

OP ask if they will get a non-insurance based quote (think along the lines of telling a vet you aren't insured!) and go from there, if it is cheap and they are happy go with it and you can agree liability easily without admitting culpability. If not just go through the insurance company.

 

[pennyturner]

I'd just contact my insurance company and provide details, that's what i pay insurance for. I had an incident ridden where it was a simlar situation narrow village high street cars parked either side. We waited for a break in traffic and continued but part way up a car came towards us very close as avoiding cars on there side, my horse cow kicked the car as it went past no idea why never done it before or since. Sent insurance company details and they dealt with it. Car driver was deemed at fault for being too close. If it was the car that didn't leave enough room then yes I can see how u might not think it is your fault but if you carried on not giving your self enough room then you take the consequences.

Is it really bad that I laughed at this. I can't count the number of times I've been carved up by a bad driver and wished my pony had retaliated!
In this situation, the driver passed the parked cars (clearing our way forward) then slowed / almost stopped - there was no need, the road was clear ahead of them. They may have been preparing to park, over-cautious having seen the horse or just having a gawp. If they'd proceeded 'normally', they would have been clear, but like I said, not a driving fault, just bad luck.

 

[pennyturner]

rubbish, of course you can minimise cost and inconvenience - insurance company approved garages put huge premiums on their repairs (I know I worked in the industry) £2500 bill for £700 damage - the former you would probably go through insurance, the latter maybe pay yourself.

OP ask if they will get a non-insurance based quote (think along the lines of telling a vet you aren't insured!) and go from there, if it is cheap and they are happy go with it and you can agree liability easily without admitting culpability. If not just go through the insurance company.

This is how I hope it will go... common sense, without the complications of insurance / lawyers / excess / no claims, but it has to be their decision. Some people are happier if an insurer takes control.