Many drivers make the same mistake, often without realizing it. This is the case of Léa who testifies to avoid others a unpleasant surprise.
When you take the wheel, you think of putting your belt, checking your mirrors, avoiding traffic jams. But we rarely think of his insurance. However, this small document that we keep in the glove box plays a key role, even when everything seems to be fine. In the event of friction on the road which involves one or more vehicles, an amicable observation should be completed and then transmitted it to its insurer. If there is no legal obligation to do so, it is despite everything highly recommended, because it will simplify the steps to follow if there are, in particular with regard to compensation.
Only, many drivers make the same mistake: when it happens to them, they observe their vehicle, do not see damage and therefore do not fill an amicable observation. However, it is an error, as Léa has harshly discovered. “”In December 2023, when I stopped at the hitchhiking at the exit of a parking lot in rush hour, the person behind me did not pay attention and struck me. The shock was strong enough, so that I was afraid that there are damage. But when I got out of the vehicle with the other driver, we have noticed absolutely no damage, on none of the two vehicles. Not even a scratch! We were both relieved and, as we were arrested on the bus route, we did not want to block it any longer, so we left without asking ourselves more questions “she tells us.
In the months that followed, Léa has no problem: her car works very well, there is nothing that can point out the slightest concern. But two years later, in May 2025, the driver put her vehicle to technical control. Thinking that he is in perfect condition, she is surprised when the garage calls him to tell him that he has been failed. “I was explained to me that the crossing at the back is cut and that the spare wheel is distorted, I was immediately asked if I had a shock at the back”she says, adding: “I immediately made the link with the incident that occurred in 2023”.
Rolling thus was fortunately not dangerous, this part used only to absorb shocks, but the repair is compulsory to pass the technical control. And Léa is again surprised by hearing the price announced by the garage of the brand of her car: “It was nearly 2500 euros! The garage employees were almost embarrassed to tell me such a price, and one of them immediately advised me to defraud the insurance by saying that it had just happened”.
Well decided not to act in this way, which could have ended up costing her even more, she consulted bodybuilders, who made her quote between 900 and 1000 euros. “This remains a sacred sum, but it is a little less difficult to swallow. I also asked the garage owners to show me what the damaged parts looked like so that I can look in the event of future collision. But in the future, even if I see nothing, I will make a report, even if it is to go see a mechanic”she says.