I reversed into car that didn't have an MoT - what should I do?

I was driving down a narrow country lane and a big tractor was coming towards me. I'd just passed a drive so went to reverse into it, then I hit a Land Rover Discovery behind me (or he hit me, I will never know). He never beeped his horn nor tried to reverse. We exchanged contact details, I said if the damage was not too costly I'd rather pay for it. He never gave me his details but his partner's. At home I discovered his MoT had run out a week previously and he was not on his way to a pre-booked MoT test when I reversed into him. Where do I stand legally? Would insurance pay for the repair for his cracked front bumper? Or would they use the lapsed MoT to get out of paying? The damage to my Renault Trafic is £580, my insurance excess is £350. The driver has been away on a trip and was supposed to get in touch with me a week ago and never did. I don't want to deal with his partner as she became hostile when I mentioned the driving without a valid MoT. I did report the "accident" to the police the day after it happened. What should I do next? I'd rather pay to get my car fixed than claim on insurance.

Asked on 8 May 2017 by ferretlove

Answered by Honest John
Under tort law you have caused him "injury and distress" and the matter of whether his vehicle is legal or not is irrelevant, you have still damaged his property. If you are liable for the incident you're liable for the damage. I would in your situation contact your insurer to advise that you do not wish to claim, though you are contacting them for "information purpose only" and to log the details as that. Advising that you have been involved in an incident, advise them that they MUST contact you should anyone contact them in relation to a claim, and they MUST not act in any way that may prejudice you. I would then wait to see if the gent gets in contact. Technically he cannot go via his own insurer as he was not insured at the time having no mot. So he may not bother.
Similar questions
I recently hit a road closure sign while parking, it was on a path with angle iron legs sticking out. It went into the nearside fog lamp, then scratched the wing, door and wing mirror. I've never seen...
While I was at work someone hit my car in the car park. They've assumed liability and his insurance already contacted me. I have also contacted my insurance company in the meantime and started proceedings...
I parked (engine off) in a lay-by to the side of a main road to drop off my passenger, who's 77 years old. I turned to the side to say goodbye, when he shouted to look out and I saw a car reversing at...
Related models
Imperious on and off-road, hugely practical, more desirable than the current Discovery, refined and high-quality interior.
Refined and comfortable, L1 capable of carrying three Euro pallets, new 2.0 dCi from 2019 is quiet and punchy, 2022 update improves safety.