NSW Hit and Run with QLD plates

A few nights ago, a random car hit my front bumber bumper causing considerable damage. My car was parked on the street at the time and I was at home (NSW). The perpetrators left without leaving a note.

After checking the CCTV, I found the number plate of the car, the plates happened to be from Queensland. I filed a report with the local police station. I also did a rego check on the QLD gov website and the results showed that this was a 'Rental (self driver rental)'.

No further updates from the police. Is there any way I can find the rental company this car belongs to? Any help would be appreciated.

Comments

  • +12

    Keep pressuring the police. I hope you have insurance

    • Will do. Third party insurance only on this car.

      • +28

        I found this resource to be very relevant to your situation regarding insurance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQeezCdF4mk

        • You got me 🤣

      • -7

        Tough cookies then.
        Insurnace company wont want to know.

        You are on your own unfortunately.

        But yes, track down the car hire company or contact Qld police

      • Some insurance companies cover the first few thousand when you have 3rd party - check your policy.
        Possibly they will chase up the at fault party for you.

  • +5

    Is there any way I can find the rental company this car belongs to? Any help would be appreciated.

    I assume any upstanding ozbargain member would simply hand the details of the accident, police report number, and all known information about the offending vehicle to their insurance company and sit back.

    Is this not an option?

    • I've only got third party insurance with NRMA on this car. Could NRMA assist in this scenario given I only have third party?

      • +11

        Dunno

        NRMA Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance covers damage to your car caused by an at-fault uninsured driver up to $5000.

        Perhaps NRMA would be better to answer such qusstions

      • Call em.

        • Will do. I'll report back what they say.

      • +4

        What do you mean by "third party insurance"? Third Party Property or Compulsory Third Party?

        • +3

          This is the real question.

        • Thanks for asking. Cheers.

        • +2

          Third party property.

      • Do you have a current insurance policy with NRMA?

      • they should (and have for me). 3rd party wouldnt be the issue though, its the fact that you dont have the other parties details (except rego).
        What id expect is that they get your excess and agree to the $5k/$10k uninsured cover they offer whilst tracking down the responsible party (anything over will not be covered).
        If they get a hold of them financially, they may push for more $$$ to cover your repairs totally or otherwise pass on the deets to you to chase privately.
        don't expect anymore than that

    • Budget Direct were not going to touch it (I have comprehensive) without the drivers full details even though I had their plate and CCTV of the incident. I had to go through the police to get the other drivers details myself or I'd be paying my excess and it'd count as 'at fault'.

  • +5

    my front bumber

    So you were rear ended 🤔

  • +14

    Good luck with the police… A similar thing happened to me and I found the police absolutely useless.

    • +2

      I got hit from behind a couple of years ago and the guy drove off. Took the video footage to the cops and they got him to admit fault

    • +5

      People keep forgetting their role is majority revenue raising or government puppets!

    • +3

      Me too, I had video of someone merging across a solid line, forcing me out of my lane and then swerving into me and damaging my car. I even showed them the video of him driving off.
      After 3 months they finally said they have his details and would disclose to my insurance company, but found no fault with any of his driving "techniques".

      No wonder the standard of driving is so appaling these days, might as well call them 'road suggestions'.

  • -6

    No diagram?

    Curious if OP's car was legally parked.

    Concerned if illegally parked on the road it may not even attract third party protection.

    • Legally parked on a one way road. The other car was driving in the wrong direction and found a parking spot in front of my car. They parked in that spot illegally (car was facing the wrong direction). Few minutes later they were leaving and began doing a u-turn out of the parking spot and they hit my bumper in the process.

      • +4

        Was the other car an AMG?

      • Absolutely ridiculous. It's already obvious that they weren't going to pay.

  • +2

    Advise the police you want to pursue civil action and require the details

  • +1

    Insurance can run a search on the plate. It can take a few months.

  • +3

    Gemini has some good actions here:
    Unfortunately, finding the rental company directly from the number plate in this situation is likely to be difficult. Here's why and what you can try:
    Why it's difficult:
    * Privacy laws: Rental companies are generally not allowed to disclose customer information due to privacy laws.
    * Police involvement: Since you've already filed a police report, they are the primary point of contact for obtaining this information. They have the authority to investigate and request information from the rental company.
    * Queensland registration: Even though you know it's a rental car from Queensland, the NSW police may have limitations in accessing Queensland-specific registration details beyond what you already found.
    What you can try:
    * Follow up with the police: Continue to follow up with the NSW police and inquire about the progress of their investigation. Provide them with any additional information you have, such as the CCTV footage and the Queensland registration details.
    * Contact Queensland Police: You could try contacting the Queensland Police and explaining the situation. They might be able to assist in identifying the rental company, especially since the car is registered in their state.
    * Contact rental companies directly: You could try contacting major car rental companies in Queensland and inquire if they have any records of the vehicle with the specific number plate. However, they are unlikely to provide any information without police involvement due to privacy concerns.
    * Insurance claim: If you have comprehensive car insurance, contact your insurance provider and file a claim for the damages. They may have more resources and expertise in investigating the incident and identifying the responsible party.
    Important notes:
    * Persistence: Be persistent in following up with the police and your insurance company. These investigations can take time, but regular communication can help move the process forward.
    * Documentation: Keep detailed records of all communication, including police report numbers, insurance claim details, and any other relevant information.
    While it can be frustrating, it's important to follow the proper channels and cooperate with the authorities. With persistence and the right approach, you may be able to identify the rental company and hold the responsible party accountable for the damages.

    • +1

      Damn, that's actually really solid advice from Gemini. Impressive

  • +14

    Good luck mate. I have had my car hit and run in parking lots and no one left a note. Nothing. I recently reversed into someone leaving $3.6k damage to their car. I left a note and paid them the full cost for the damage because at the time my insurance was lapsed. People are so low! I've had it happen to me and the disrespect is astounding. Be the bigger person guys, own your mistakes and pay the consequences. Hope you can find the idiot. Make them bloody pay!!

    • Couldn't agree more. Thanks mate.

    • -1

      was the owner Saxon?

  • +1

    If you had considerable damage then the hire car probably would have noticeable damage which the hire company would be charging hirer an excess. I definitely would be contacting the Qld police to obtain the hire company’s details.

  • Hey, sorry about your experience with the cops. Last time this happened to me, the police were super helpful.

    Basically took footage and evidence to the cops and they instantly called up the person associated to the rego # and talked them into exchanging details. I think in your instance it should probably be about the same, maybe go to the cops at a not busy time and they might be able to do the same?

  • 'Rental (self driver rental)'

    Isn't that an Ăśber or similar?

    • +3

      Nah, Uber is "Booked Hire" or something. "Rental (self drive rental)" are rental cars from Avis/Hertz/etc.

      • Thanks!

  • Do you have the funds to fix your vehicle while separately chasing the other party?

    It is important to ensure you "minimise your loss." What is legally claimable from the other party isn't the most luxurious way you can fix the vehicle and the fanciest hire-car in the meantime. In a civil action you can claim only reasonable costs where you have demonstrated you got a fair price. Any paperwork that demonstrates you checked the prices were sane is helpful here.

    Good news that you have NRMA 3rd party property - talk to them.

  • -1

    Driver still upset about the Origin loss last year

  • How much is the damage? Unless your insurance company is willing to pursue most likely you will need to engage a lawyer and given it is an interstate rental car, to pursue a claim the costs will rack up quick.

    It sucks and very unlucky but if it’s only relatively minor damage I’d chalk it up as a lesson why you should get comprehensive insurance.

  • That should be very easy to track. It is better to collect evidence earlier before rental history record got destroyed.

  • Get a quote for damage repairs from two repairers to substantiate your claim.

    Finding out who owns the vehicle
    If you don’t know the vehicle owner’s name, but you have the registration number, you can find the owner’s details by requesting a Queensland Motor Vehicle Register search.
    The information requested must be about the vehicle/s involved in the incident or accident.
    To make an application you must supply one or more of the following:
    - a police traffic accident report (only if the police investigated the accident)
    - a written permission from the registered operator
    - an official request on letterhead from your insurance company, solicitor or lawyer supporting the vehicle incident or accident report
    - a statutory declaration describing the off-road incident and property damage, with a copy of any available witness statements
    - a statutory declaration describing the incident, with a repair quote.

    https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration/release-of-inf…

    Write a letter of demand to the rental company to make good on the damage done and then follow up with civil action if necessary.
    You don't need to personally pursue the driver, it's up to the rental company to nominate a responsible party; often they will pay and then charge customer. Your claim is with the owner of the vehicle unless they nominate a driver etc.
    All depends on how much time / effort you are willing to put into it at the end of the day.

Login or Join to leave a comment