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Scared about insurance claim :(?

Hey, I am in desperate need of some advice, and was wondering if you have a couple of free minutes whether you would mind giving me your honest opinion? Okay Basically I had an incident just before the weekend, where i caught my one of the sides of my car on a metal bollard, badly denting it the rear offside, with a scrape that rungs along the passenger door through to the rear arch. I am completely unfamiliar with claiming on insurance, and am always petrified when it comes to things like this :( I have been with my insurance company for over a year, never missed a payment, have never had any motoring offenses or other insurance claims, and am fully comprehensive with additional insurance policies/add-on's with the same company, there's no damage to any other vehicles or property and I accept full liability regardless. The problem is, and I really hate myself for it and CANNOT for the life of me understand why I did it, but when i contacted my insurance company (which I did so immediately after) on the initial report I told them I didn't know how it happened and it was parked in the street. I think I was just afraid to be honest, because I always believe these companies are only there to make money and not protect its customers (pathetic I know). All the insurance company did was put me through to their claims dept who gave me the telephone number for an approved garage to take it in so they can have a look and give me a quote/courtesy car etc. If I do so, more than likely they will assess the damage and the insurance company will pay, but I am so terrified of the fact that I haven't been truthful with what happened, its actually keeping me awake at night. I realize this may be slightly dramatic but I really don't know what the best course of action would be here. I really want to phone and tell them but I am worried that as a result they will invalidate my claim, my premiums will skyrocket in the future and I cant afford to repair my car. Any info would be GREATLY appreciated, good or bad (I expect there will be a whole lot of slating me because of my stupidity).

Public Comments

1. As no one else is involved and it will cost them the same no matter how it happened you have nothing to worry about -telling the truth would not have hurt though. Better to leave it as it is now.
2. Stick to the story you have given them, no one else is involved, so to them, whether you don't know how it happened, or do, is irrelevent as they will raise your insurance the same, and treat it the same either way. Really don't worry.
3. Look, in the future, just be absolutely honest with the insurance company. As far as this particular claim, based on the details that you described, I would suggest you stick with claim and process as is. Your claim will still be a "hit" against your policy. You'll end up creating a bigger mess by "fixing the facts" it! Let me reiterate, in the future just present all the facts to your insurance company! Here's a good rule of thumb to remember going forward, "if you told it right to begin with, you'll never have to remember how you told it."
4. stick to your story/take it to their place/dont explain anything to garage guys/get appointment and get it done/the big thing is dont start talking/you have said your piece now is the time for silence/
5. They wouldn't bite you if you did tell them the truth, but as already said it would make no difference. You have comprehensive insurance and that covers damage to your own car, no matter how it was incurred (less your excess of course). Let it run for now, and in future if you have to make a claim tell 'em the truth for your own peace of mind. You've not made a fraudulent claim, you're just claiming for your damage as you are entitled to. Relax and get some sleep.
6. relax! whether you know how it happened, or not, and how, is not the issue here. If the insurance covers it, it's OK. don't call and explain, it will just complicate things. but really-it IS ok. I have had dozens-hundreds- of claims made where I knew they were actually lying, and it just comes down to whether you have coverage to cover the specific damage-if you have collision, you have it, you are covered, the deductible is the same no matter what (unless it's glass), so RELAX.
7. Either way, it's a fault claim so I'd be inclined to leave it as it is. I assume that the bollard wasn't on someone's private property (such as blocking a driveway) and therefore no-one is going to be chasing you for damage to the bollard. So there's not going to be a third party involved. Just let the claim go through and forget about it - you aren't costing the insurer any more by doing this and it's highly unlikely that they will look much further into the claim.
8. To be honest Sam though i would not normally condone giving false information to the insurers, as you have already given them an incorrect story you would NOT be better off owning up! Whilst they may applaud your honesty in admitting it, they will also note that you lied about the accident and there is a good chance they would refuse to insure you again when the present policy runs out - on the basis that you have been liberal with the truth once so could be so again! Don't feel too bad though, they would have had to pay out with either scenario so you are NOT cheating them out of any money.
9. You can rest easily as there was no other vehicle involved.So what every you tell your insurance they have to believe.If you have no claims protection included in your insurances it will go up.Take up their offer to get your car repair and leave it at that.