A YOUNG motorist fears her car will be written off after a hit-and-run crash outside her home.

Claire McInerney’s Volkswagen Polo was parked in Cranford Drive, Hayes, when a vehicle rammed into it late on Monday evening last week.

The damage, to the front nearside, is not severe, but could cost thousands of pounds to repair – more than the car is worth. Miss McInerney fears her insurance company are more likely to take it at trade value, minus excess costs.

The 25-year-old PR officer added that she would not be able to afford to insure another car in any case. Losing her no claims bonus was a big blow.

Miss McInerney heard a loud noise while she was in the living room with her mother.

“It sounded like someone had gone into a house,” she said. “I looked out of the window and saw that my car wasn’t where I parked it. I ran outside, but they were already around the corner.”

Neighbours who also heard the collision looked out to see the driver and passenger get out and swap seats before speeding off.

The damage has been assessed by Miss McInerney’s insurers, and she was awaiting a quote at the time of going to press.

She said she was not optimistic about the chances of keeping the Polo – her first car – which is nearly 10 years old.

“Basically, it’s going to cost me a fortune and I wasn’t even involved,” she added. “My insurers may think it may not make economic sense to repair, as the car value and the cost of repairing the damage could be about the same.

“My insurance will also skyrocket now, I’d imagine. It’s already been insanely expensive to be insured in Hayes, but now I know why.

“Someone local might have seen something, as the culprits tore away loud and fast. Unfortunately, it was too quick for me or my neighbours to get a number plate.”

The car drove off along Granville Road and Laburnam Road, and the police confirmed they failed to locate the vehicle and its occupants after a search. Anyone with information about this incident can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.

n Have you suffered financially because of an incident which was not your fault? Email newsuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk.