Hi i was stopped at some traffic lights the other day, and a woman bumped into the back of me (clearly her fault). She admitted liability and everything, and it just looked like a new bumper. Now i've realised the boot won't open so it's looking a little more serious, and will be going through insurance. Just got a few questions.

1. Do I have to pay my excess? (even if it can be recovered)

2. It has put my renewal up by £300 because it is unsettled so i don't get my no claims. Will it be possible to include this loss in the claim and recoup the money?

3. My insurance runs out tomorrow, could this become a problem? (renewal is with a different company)

4. Even if it is settled in my favour, will it remain on my record, and have a negative effect in the future?

It may not be worth me claiming if the negatives outweigh the positives (getting it fixed). I've even got someone interested in the car as is so should i just flog it and cancel the claim?

Any advice very much appreciated! Very unexperienced in this area, and wish the whole thing never happened

..or i got out the car and punched her

similar thing with me. (I was on the road and the guy pulled out of a car park into the side of my car (Clearly his fault))

1) I don't know, i have £0 excess

2) I also want to know this

3) Insurance renewal doesn't matter as the claim is with the previous insurer so your current insurer don't need to be involved on whats happening as it happened before you were with them.

4) Yes, you will have to declare it and it will put your premium up but not as much as if it's your fault

5) Once a claim has started, it cannot be cancelled. I've already tried this numerous times. (for same claim)