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Chris3

I got rear ended on a busy road. We both pulled over and checked to see if each other was ok. I could see no damage to my car as they hit the tow bar. So I had a look at his number plate and he drove off. Next thing a few hours later my car starts playing up. Engine light came on and car started to rev strange and change gears strange. Got AA to run scan and they found a fault in the gearbox with gear ratio fault. Got towed home. Can I make a claim or get any assistance with this. First time I have every had a issue with my car after it got rear ended today.

Anon

Hi there,
You would need to find out the nature of the fault from a transmission specialist and then determine if it could be attributed to the accident. If so, then speak to your insurance company and provide them the details of the accident and the vehicle who hit you. Maybe do the insurance bit first so they are aware you have had an incident and may need further assistance.

Chris3

I took it to my local garage and they advised that I take it too a specialist. When do I let the insurance company know. Because this will all be costing me money. Organising transport. Hiring a rental car. Going to a specialist.

Anon

Hi there,
If it has nothing to do with the crash, it will be money you have to spend anyway. I recommend calling your insurance straight away and mention you had a minor crash and experienced a problem with the car soon after, and then they can advise on what to do from there.

Chris3

Hi,
Yes this is true. I have let the AA know. But they did not seem that interested as I only have third party insurance. But I did not cause the crash and would be hoping if the problem was related to the impact the person who hit me would pay.

Anon

Without full insurance you will have to battle it alone. Only after your vehicle is diagnosed and if you have solid evidence that it is contributed from the accident, you would need to get a hold of the other driver. Without any contact details, this could be hard for you.
Only then you would have to negotiate with the other driver, and may end in the tribunal if there is no resolution.