I was in an at fault accident this morning. I collided with the back of a honda CRV in my Chevy Malibu. He had a tire on the back of his car so I didn't hit the car. Visually it looks like there is not damage but I;m not a mechanic I don't know. Well...
This man seems to want an excessive amount of information. He's asked me for my Driver Liscense #, A copy or fax of my insurance card. Shouldn't he just need the Policy Number, the Liscense plate #, and my name? Am I being a little too causious? Sence to accident was at low speed, 5 mph or under, I offered to pay his estimate without him going through insurance, he seemed to agree but is still E-mailing me for information.
How Much information is Nessecary?
And Could he be trying to steal my identity or scam?
Please help.
2007-02-09 04:57:20 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
We already exchanged information at the scene, He wrote down my Licsence plate #, Name, and alot of other stuff. He seemed like he was ok with not going though the insurance company but if he changes his mind he's free to file a claim, I just don't want his to try to do both, file a claim and try to get me to pay also.
ALSO... The collision was at 5 mph, I HIGHLY doubt there was whiplash.
2007-02-09 05:19:13 · update #1
LOL. Sounds like he doesn't trust you. I mean, you hit the guy and now you think is trying to pull an ID scam on you? The reason he wants a copy is to know that you're not giving him bogus info.
2007-02-09 05:00:31 · answer #1 · answered by angrysandwichguy2000 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You both need to exchange driver's license information, insurance information, registration information, and home phone numbers. For your own records, write a description of the other guy's vehicle, along with the license plate number.
You want the following:
(1) Full name as it appears on the driver's license
(2) Address as it appears on the driver's license
(3) Driver's license number
(4) The other driver's actual address, if different from the license or registration
(5) Telephone number
(6) Other guy's registration information
(7) Insurance information
(8) License plate number
(9) Names of passengers and contact information
Basically, you want everything, and he should want everything. This way, if there is any damage that is detected later, everyone will be on the same page. Having this information will also help in case of fraudulent claims.
2007-02-09 09:57:22 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He does have a right to the information, but I would use a lot of caution if you agreed to pay for his damages without going through insurance.
He may give you an estimate on the damages that were done, then demand a check for that amount. After getting the check and cashing it, he'll go to the insurance company anyways and collect another payment through your insurance company. This is a common scam. If you agree to pay for the damages, then get him to give you an estimate. Then go with him to the repair shop and pay the REPAIR SHOP directly. GET A RECEIPT FROM THE REPAIR shop also on what damages were actually caused by the accident and what parts will be replaced.
Mind you, he can choose the most expensive repair shop he wants, since you think you were at fault.
DO NOT PAY HIM DIRECTLY! If he wants the money, then I defintely would go through your insurance to keep yourself from being scammed.
2007-02-09 05:25:01 · answer #3 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
2007-02-09 05:14:30 · answer #4 · answered by Laura E 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It could be "swoop and squat" a type of insurance fraud. Especially if they would not wait for the police as would be normal.
I don't know your state, but in Tennessee generally you must wait for an officer to file a report. Occasionally, due to weather this is not required. Always be cautious with too much information. Tennessee removed SS#'s from liscenses, but some states have not. They could be going overboard because they did not wait for police and now can not file a report.
Below is a site I found with a checklist for accidents.
"Police officials say if motorists are involved in accidents in which there is no injury and the vehicles are drivable, they should exchange license and insurance information and file a report with police later."
He may have no desire to "scam" you, but he may not be cautious with your information..throw away, make copies, any way it could fall into the wrong hands. Call and file a report and give your information directly to the police if you have serious misgivings about this person.
2007-02-09 05:17:39 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You never discuss the details of the accident with the other driver. You only need to exchange with the other driver your driver's license number and insurance company and policy number. Also jot down the other driver's license plate number and make and model of car. Let your insurance company take care of the rest -if they are a good company, they will contact all that need to be contacted. If you're in doubt or suspicious, even if the damage seems less than is required by law to report, protect yourself by contacting your insurance agent for assistance.
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2007-02-09 13:27:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is what is printed on my auto insurance card.
In the event of an accident:
1. Notify police immediately.
2. Do not admit liability!
3. Do not show your policy or reveal its limits except when requested to do so by police or state authority.
4. See inside of this card.
Then the inside of card has the following:
IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
please make note of the following:
Time of accident: _____________
Place: ______________________
Driver of other car
Name ____________________
Address __________________
License Number ____________
List witnesses and/or injured persons
_____________________________
If you notice, nowhere does it say to give them your policy number. This would fall under the same advice on the card to not show them the policy itself. Once they have your name and number, they can get access to find out how much your coverage is. You never want to tell them this info. Some unscrupulous persons use this info to try to scam your insurance company for your maximum coverage for any so-called "pain and suffering." If they don't know your upper coverage limits, it's harder for them to do this.
If there is indeed damage and you decide to pay yourself, then I offer the following advice:
Have the other driver bring you a couple of estimates for damage. If the amount is agreeable, then draw up a short and very precise written agreement between and you and him. It should spell out all the details very carefully - details about the accident, damage, repair amounts, etc. , along with how much you are giving him in settlement and a clause that releases you from further obligation. Then both of you go to a Notary Public and sign the agreement in their presence and have them notarize it. You keep the original and give him a copy of it. You don't need a lawyer for this. My ex and I did this same thing several years ago and did it on our own. You can find a Notary Public in many places - libraries, banks, etc. - and their services are reasonable. If you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own, ask a lawyer for advice on writing up the settlement agreement. If this is all you use the lawyer for, then the cost will be reasonable and much, much cheaper than paying way higher auto insurance costs if you claim this on your insurance.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-09 06:25:11 · answer #7 · answered by Marconi 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The only thing this person knows about you is that you are at fault for rear-ending him.
From the limited info in your inquiry, I assume no police report was made and no police were called.
Obviously, he is taking steps to protect himself and to ensure that you provide him with correct information.
For all he knows, you could be giving him a false identity and a made up insurance policy number.
He's asking for the copy of the insurance card to make sure you're giving him the correct policy information and not something you just made up to try to scam him out of paying for an accident in which you are at fault. Same thing with the driver's license number.
Do the morally right thing and provide him with your driver's license number and a copy of your insurance card.
If identity theft was as easy as obtaining someone's name, driver's license number and insurance policy number, we would all be victims of identity theft by now.
He's not trying to scam you. He's trying to make sure you don't scam him.
2007-02-09 05:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by scaminator63 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All of the info he collected or wishes to collect is perfectly normal.
Drivers license number in case you give a false address he can find you by contacting the police.
Copy of insurance so he has the correct info to file a claim. usually insurance polocy numbers are quite lenghtly and it is easy to mistakenly write down a wrong number or letter.
however, if you are taking care of it yourself and not going through insurance then he does not need this info other than to file a claim. once you or he claims it, it will show up on your driving record.
2007-02-09 05:01:12 · answer #9 · answered by Confused 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I take it u guys didnt call the cops to do a report? No matter how big or small the accident is always get a report done. It can always come back to bite u in the butt if u dont. He could get in another accident cause more dmg to his vehicle and try to say u did it, now its a battle of he said she said. I have seen it happen many times. Just my 2 cents.
2007-02-09 05:08:18 · answer #10 · answered by cannondale96 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you call the police and get an accident report? If not, look out, it could get ugly. The police, when they are involved will give the other driver the information they need and get statements from all involved about injuries. Don't be surprised if his attorney calls you next.
2007-02-09 06:18:02 · answer #11 · answered by bugs280 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋