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jonathans

We unfortunately backed into a car that was parked in a shared driveway (it shouldn't have been parked there). It was just a tap on the bumper. Despite saying at the scene that we would pay for repairs the other driver went to their insurance company and now we have received a collection of 3 separate invoices from their insurance company.
The 1st is dated 22 June and the only detail we've been given is "REAR BUMPER".
The 2nd is dated 20 July and the only detail we've been given is "RRG RELATED TO ACCIDENT".
The 3rd is dated 20 July and the only detail we've been given is "XTRA RRG".

Our question is, if the second invoice covers the cost for repairs to the rear right guard related to the accident. then the 3rd invoice must be for repairs to the rear right guard that are not related to the accident. Are we legally liable for those also?

Anon

Hi there,
In normal circumstances you shouldn't be billed for any non-accident related costs or repairs. For example if they had pre existing scrapes or damage, but wanted it repaired to make the whole repair look complete, it will be charged separately and shouldn't really be passed on. The insurance company wouldn't usually cover damages that were not caused by the accident. The only reason I could see is if, as part of the repair, a lot of the vehicle requires painting in order to fade the paint in and not make the repair standout so easily, there might be some costs to prepare the panel for painting and this might involve a repair. This would almost be a consequential cost and might be how the insurance company would justify the extra charges.