I have Geico and a $500.00 deductible. They say if I file with the at-fault driver's insurance, it will save me the deductible. They only go after the other person's insurance if I file with Geico. Is it okay for me to call the driver? He had expired proof of insurance in his car and I don't know if he's insured. My car is totaled and I have injuries. I hate to involve a lawyer because their fees are so high, it might not be worth my while. Besides, I'm not looking to get rich or help someone else get rich. I just want my car paid off.
2006-09-06 09:41:12 · 11 answers · asked by tdtdedrummer 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
Geico, should be doing the leg work for part of this. If it is the other drivers fault that is. You should have a Unisured/under insured section on your policy. That will pay for your car and your injuries to a certain amount. If the other driver was without ins.
If the other drivers insurance was in affect at the time of the accident, their insurance should cover all damages and injuries. (Again to a certain amount) Try getting the other drivers ins. info first, and try and get them to pay. If they can't/won't/don't have Geico step in and they can go after the driver legally.
2006-09-06 09:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by Why_Am_I_Here 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can call him. You can also try the insurance company listed on the expired proof of insurance to see if he's renewed.
Remind the other driver it is against the law to drive without insurance.
If he's insured you should get an answer.
If he's not tell GEICO you want to make a claim on your "uninsured motorist coverage", if you have any. You won't have to pay a deductible on that coverage.
If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage - every driver should because so many drivers are uninsured or under insured - you might be able to make a claim against your state's uninsured motorist fund, if it has one.
Otherwise either pay the deductible or hire a lawyer.
2006-09-06 09:50:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, call the other driver to find out if he has insurance. If he does not, check with your own insurance carrier to see if you have Uninsured Motorists coverage. If so, you can make a bodily injury claim under your own policy. Your company would then have the right to try to get the money back from the other driver. If the other driver has no insurance, you would then have to use your own collision insurance.
If the other driver was at fault, I would pursue a claim against him even if he does not have insurance. You never know what might turn up during pre-trial discovery. For example, he owns his home or has other attachable assets.
I am a (thankfully) retired claims adjuster.
2006-09-06 09:47:23 · answer #3 · answered by regerugged 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should file with Geico - that's why you pay insurance! (Geico is just shirking their responsibility...) You don't have to get your car fixed yet - that's when you would have to pay your deductible. BUT once the claim is open Geico SHOULD contact the other party and get his info. If he doesn't have insurance your policy may cover your medical bills and deductible (IF you have uninsured motorist coverage.)
If you aren't injured badly don't get a lawyer. They'll get a higher payment for your injuries - but YOU won't see the increase. That's there to line their own pockets.
2006-09-07 18:31:38 · answer #4 · answered by juicyfruit 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have injuries look in the phone book (or maybe you know a lawyer already) who works with car accidents. Those "personal injury" attorneys sue the driver of the other car and get their money and pay the cost of your injuries from first your insurance (PIP) and then the other person's insurance. The attorney will research it for you and then tell you what assets that other person owns and attach those (car, home, boat, savings, etc.). If that person lives at home then they will go after his/her parents' assets. But go to that "personal injury" attorney, set up an appointment and tell him/her your story. If that other car driver has no insurance then he's reported and loses his car.
The attorney gets the money and first pays your bills, then pays himself, and you get the balance. The balance usually isn't that much, but at least you'd get your doctor bills paid. So don't hesitate....go see him.
Sometimes cars don't fully get paid off, plus you have to pay the first $500. And your next car might be a clunker, but that's life, you'll build up again in a short time. Hope you're feeling better.
2006-09-06 09:50:37 · answer #5 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't call that driver, I'd call the expired insurance company. Odds are, he renewed it with them, and you're much better off talking to the company than to him.
If they won't take your claim, I'd try calling him (or ask your agent to! It's their job! Oh, yeah, you don't have one because you went with Geico), and if he won't tell you the current carrier, you HAVE to file with Geico. But if he has insurance, Geico will get your deductible back.
2006-09-06 09:44:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In California the regulation states that each time a motive force hits you from at the back of that's their fault. It seems such as you weren't injured that's a good element, yet do no longer make any statements to the different drivers coverage, (which they could be recording), and don't sign any launch papers of any sort different than by your very own coverage. If the different motive force has good coverage they could desire to repair your motor vehicle at as quickly as because of the fact they like to shrink their criminal accountability. specifically cases you should be injured and it won't take place for a number of days, so don't be too rapid to be certain you're all precise. in no way declare to be harm while you're no longer. pay attention of ambulance chasing attorneys who make a residing suing coverage and costing all human beings money.
2016-09-30 10:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can call the driver. You can let the lawyer deal with it. Or you can have your agent deal with it. It depends on how involved you want to be. I am an agent and I deal with this a lot. I have clients that are confused, uncomfortable or just don't want to deal with it. If you are hurt, you need a Dr and chances are you do have Uninsured Motorist coverage and will be able to have your expenses paid. I would say best case for your stress level, let your agent handle it for you, that is what we are here for-customer service. Good Luck!
2006-09-06 19:57:29 · answer #8 · answered by v w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have every right to contact the at-fault driver.... but you could submit you're claim and have Geico subrogate against the other party .... i mean that what we pay the insurance companies for.
2006-09-06 09:47:53 · answer #9 · answered by Wondering 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to be greedy, but no don't call directly. Get a lawyer. You have injuries? Definitely call a lawyer. But only after sundown, they sleep in their coffins until then...Ha.
Seriously get professional help.
2006-09-06 09:45:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋