My friend hit a parked car. Their car only has damaged bumper, but we were told that it costs $480 to fix. Should we pay them the money or go through insurance? He also drove about another few yards before he was stopped by their neighbor, does this make matters worse? If he pays the $480, what's the down side?
2006-10-27 12:47:59 · 11 answers · asked by meowcat 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
If my friend gets a release from damage and a receipt, then is it illegal for them to sue/report again?
2006-10-27 13:10:33 · update #1
There is no down side to just paying it...especially if you are under 25. Also, the insurance company may want an accident report...that involves the police and most will ticket the driver.
Pay the bill and save the insurance for the big ones.
2006-10-27 12:54:17 · answer #1 · answered by brad34471 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pay the money and get a release from damages statement and a receipt as well. Also contact the garage they had do the estimate you may be able to bargain for a little bit of savings.
Paying will save your insurance company money and you as long as there is no police report.
If there is a police report, send it to the insurance company as they WILL find it the next time your insurance comes up for renewal. As such they will treat it just the same no matter who pays.
2006-10-27 12:59:15 · answer #2 · answered by my_iq_135 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the insurance situation. Have their been any other claims filed? How long have you been with that particular insurance company? If you have other calims or have not been with the company very long your rates will probably go up if you file a claim. If no claims or you have been with the company for a while(5 years or more) then you probably won't see any increase in premium on the policy. But if you do decide to pay the damages yourself be sure to have the other party sign a release saying that it was paid and that they will not try to collect any further damages. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have it notarized also.
2006-10-28 05:59:18 · answer #3 · answered by mandymay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay it, don't get the insurance company involved unless the damaged car owner insist. Offer them a little more for the trouble if you can. If the other driver has already reported to his or her insurance company it's too late. If a police report was made
your screwed, use the insurance.
Druhill 11's answer is good too.
2006-10-27 12:54:55 · answer #4 · answered by wernerslave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about which will cost more, but in the long run your friends insurance will go up because he will be a higher risk. It's a tricky situation, because it'd be nice to just do it without the insurance, but if there is no police record or anything... the people he hit may be able to go back and sue.
2006-10-27 13:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by Nicole 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever watched those court shows? If he just pays it, the other party will eventually says its not enough and ask for more.
Go through insurance, that what they do. They pay it once, its legal and the other party can't sue again.
Also, in most insurance companies - small accidents like this do not affect the premuim (unless he has 10 of 'em)
2006-10-27 13:04:02 · answer #6 · answered by PeppermintandPopcorn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford not to use insurance I wouldn't because your prices will go up. But if you do pay out of pocket make up some sort of contract where both parties agreed to that price and have receipts to show what happened between the two. That way there will be no dispute later on.
2006-10-27 12:50:48 · answer #7 · answered by druhill119 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should just pay the money. If you go through insurance it's just going to raise what you have to pay each month. In the end it's cheaper just to pay out. If they're asking for a little bit more then what it really costs to fix it, who cares. It's better then your insurance rising.
2006-10-27 12:56:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't recommend out of pocket settlements, but as others have said, at least get a legally binding release that says in exchange for this payment he agrees not to sue/pursue you any further. You should exchange information.
2006-10-27 13:48:52 · answer #9 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you can't afford, then don't go through insurance. just pay $480.00 in cash.
if you go through insurance company, then your monthly bill will go up. that would make total cost more than 480 eventually.
2006-10-27 12:57:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋