I was in a small car accident today with some guy about 22 years old. This is my first car accident so I wasn't sure exactly what to do. We exchanged licences and copy out information and then he asked for my insurance slips everyone has in there car. I gave it to him but i did not as for his in return cause i knew the police would take care of that. Everyone is telling me that i shouldn't of given him my information of insurance. why is that so bad? what could be do with my information anyways?
2006-09-25 13:57:40 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
I did call the police, but he just looked over my little booklet of insurance and ownership stuff and wrote down my information, and everyone is telling me that i shouldn't of let him see it, its none of his business, he could tamper with it or use it some how.....
2006-09-25 14:04:16 · update #1
so its ok to see all my papers in my car? Ppl are telling my you should let the police handle it, he doesn't need to see that stuff....
2006-09-25 14:08:00 · update #2
Be careful as to what information you give to another person. Most insurance cards that are issued today contain no information other than conformation of coverage and contact numbers for your company (please say this is what you gave him!!). If you were to happen to give him a copy of your policy or dec. page he now has access to your policy number, SS number, home address and phone and, worst of all, your policy limits. Never count on the cops to do your leg work for you. Their job is to write an accident report, not to make sure you get your car repaired. Always make sure the other drivers ins. info is on the report or you have exchanged info cards at the loss scene. You say it wasn't your fault but if some scum discovers you have $300,000.00 in liability limits he may suddenly come up with three witnesses that make you into the bad guy.
Ever wonder why all those bottom-feeder lawyers advertise on late night TV?
2006-09-25 14:05:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty, he probably didn't know what to do either, and that's why he took your insurance card. Your friends are probably telling you that was a bad move because he know can contact your company and report the accident, perhaps making up a story to put the blame on you. Bottom line is that they won't pay anything to him unless he provides proof from an auto body shop or a doctor. The insurance cards typically only provide the VIN number, policy expiration date, and your name/address, so I wouldn't be too worried about it. It is very easy today to steal someone's identity, so if he does have your address, he could do it. But realize he could also find another person's address in the phone book and do the same thing, so I don't think this put you at any more risk. I would recommend contacting your insurance company and explain what happened. It was a good idea to call the cop as they wrote a report based on your statements. I think you're fine, but just make sure you don't let him pull one on your company by falsifying the facts of the accident, blaming you for more damage than you're responsible for.
2006-09-25 21:26:17 · answer #2 · answered by Rexy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you didn't do anything wrong! It's actually the responsibility of both parties to show proof of insurance after an accident.
It's actually expected that you BOTH exchange each other's insurance information because when a person calls his/her insurance agent to report an accident, the agent or claims adjuster ask you for the other person's name, insurance carrier, policy number, car details (color, license plate, etc.).
Also it's okay for the police to see your insurance information because they use it on their forms. Just to ease your mind-- the police won't tamper with your insurance information (what could they possibly do to you?) and he also collects information from the other person too. He needs your info for the police report.
When I was in an accident, I didn't call the police but instead exchanged the aforementioned information with the other person. I immediately called my agent to pass on all of the necessary information and waited for the claims adjuster to call me. Once they got my information they called the other person's insurance agent to work out a claim and settlement.
If you had a camera phone it's a good idea to take pictures but it's okay if you didn't because based on the damage of the car(s) and the account of what caused that accident (told by you and the other person) will help the insurance folks to piece the story for themselves.
Good luck!
2006-09-25 21:13:51 · answer #3 · answered by persephone11 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the only thing he can do to your insurance is file a claim against you and try to have your insurance company pay for his damages. Either way he will get your ins. info from the accident report filed by the police.
2006-09-26 15:23:05 · answer #4 · answered by silentlegacy13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no matter how big an accident, YOU ALWAYS FILE A POLICE REPORT!!!! If you have long term back problems or whatever from an accident, you have no record of the accident much less suing this guy for $$ if it was his fault (which you did not state)
He knew you dint know what to do and that is why he did not offer to call police. ALWAYS CALL POLICE FOR AN ACCIDENT.
2006-09-25 21:01:55 · answer #5 · answered by Madonna1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes
2006-09-25 21:55:32 · answer #6 · answered by 2-point-answer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should "exchange" insurance information and if you have a digi cam , u should take photos
2006-09-25 20:59:51 · answer #7 · answered by JC 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should exchange information, and people should stop being so paranoid.
2006-09-25 21:21:43 · answer #8 · answered by Chris 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no that is the law.
2006-09-25 21:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by Susan N 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋