When my C4S became a very expensive transit van trailer...

So, I was driving to Staines from Terminal 5 yesterday afternoon and was following a transit van(not in a private investigator way). Suddenly it brake hard and fast. I did not brake so hard or fast and ended up becoming impaled on the tow bar of the transit :nooo: What made things worse was when he pulled away and made the whole bigger whilst pulling me along a little bit like a very expensive trailer :sad: The transit van driver explained that a bicycle had swerved in front of him but was no where to be seen once we had pulled to the side of the road. After swapping details we went on our ways and my insurance company confirmed I am fully to blame as I hit them from behind. Luckily the insurance company allowed me to take the car to the approved Porsche bodyshop in Slough that the OPC recommended so everything stays under warranty. The main thing is that I am OK. The transit driver and passenger were fine. We discussed this on the side of the road. And the car could have been far worse but it is an eyesore and half in my opinion. Not sure how much this will cost but I presume it will be more than the 500 quid excess. I have protected NCB and the work has been approved. Any advice on how to limit the damage long term on this? I presume the insurance premium will sky rocket next year? And what if the van driver's insurance company(it was a major building firm's van sounds like Sunflower Sweetie) try and claim for the van damage(of which was zero, the sand was still on the top of tow bar) or medical bills(again, of which we were all fine except a little shaken). Picture below

Oops! Should be in this response

I doesn't look too bad to me - probably just a new front PU. A new one is £544.32 inc VAT, plus fitting and painting, so probably £1000-ish at Bodytechnics. If it was mine I would get a used PU and have it sprayed and fitted somewhere cheaper (or do it myself), to avoid having it on my record. Although, like you, I have protected NCB, I would have to declare it if/when I change companies. That doesn't help with your dilemma about the "what if" situation of the third party. It might be worth a phone call to the building company to sound them out and see if they intend making a claim. Judging by the damage to yours, I doubt it likely.

did you take photo's of the other vehicle...??

Nothing worse than that. It shakes you up abit. I never claim on insurance , i always find a way to sort it out. However, I always stay well back after i had a nasty experince in my boxster about 5 years ago. It could have been worse, set off airbags, riped your front bumper off completely, damaged rads and aircon.

I have photos but they do not show any damage. Also found the side wall of my inside tyre is torn with a rubber flap attached. Must have happened when I hit the curb. Never rains... Thanks for your advice

With no damage to the van the driver may not even mention it to his employer.

Hi Insurance is such a minefield. I was told once that even if you do not claim it is still an accident and you have to tell them and it can affect your premium. Berni