Hi! A few days ago someone rear-ended me and resulted in just a paint scratch in my back bumper. The cop said that a police report would not be necessary because the damages were less than $1,000. He said that it would just be a civil case between me and the guy, and to just get his information and insurance. So I went to ask the guy for is insurance, and he told me he didn't have it with him. So the police officer asked him for it, and it turns out that he didn't have insurance at all.
My question is, will I be penalized for not reporting this accident to my insurance? Will they have any knowledge of it because there was a police report for it? And lastly, will this accident be on my driving record (i don't think it will, but I just want to make sure) Thanks in advance!
2007-07-19 02:25:40 · 8 answers · asked by Duh Teenuh 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
***I forgot to mention that the office did have to file a police report because the guy didn't have insurance. Thanks for all of the GREAT responses! They're all really helpful!
2007-07-19 02:51:32 · update #1
If he didn't have insurance, then the repair of your car would depend on whether or not you want to go through your insurance company. If you don't want your insurance company and are not sure if this will affect your ins premiums to come, you can pay for it out of your own pocket and not inform your insurance. Having the police report does not automatically notify your insurance. You are the only person that would contact the ins co or if you gave the information to the other driver. He would normally have his ins co contact yours and vice versa.
If the accident was not reported to your ins co, then they would not necessarily know. I hope this helps.
2007-07-19 02:36:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm confused. You say a report was filed, but the officer said a report wouldn't be necessary. So did the officer make a report? If he did, your insurance will find out about it. I wouldn't worry about reporting it, they won't penalize you. My brother had a similar situation, but he had problems with the guy, so he reported it days later. They just say next time call right away. Your rates will probably go up the next time you renew your insurance with them. Which sucks. If you have to after this guy for some money for the damage he did to your car, a report will have to be filed. If you're willing to just forget about it and no report is filed, your insurance won't find out.
2007-07-19 02:35:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well...............
There is a clause in your auto policy that indicates it is your responsibility to report all claims...regardless of fault.
However.......
if you are satisfied that he has insurance that will cover it....you shouldn't have any issues.
BUT...
If something falls through and you did not report it? An insurer may have the right to deny coverage if they have in anyway been prejudiced in their ability investigate or settle the claim.
When I was an adjuster (I now oversee claims handling) and this type of claim was reported to me? I would assist the insured by making sure the at fault party had coverage and had reported it to his carrier. I would then call the carrier to confirm that there was a policy in force.
Sometimes? People lie. You don't want to be caught between a rock and a hard place.
Goodluck!
~jifr!
2007-07-19 06:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by Jifr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK do you want it repaired?
.... you will need to take him to court. Get some estimates and get it repaired yourself.
If you have uninsured motorists insurance your insurance company will cover it. You will need to decide if the cost of repairs is worth getting your insurance company involved...as you probably have a $500 or $1000 deductible
If not, file a civil suit against the guy to recoup the cost of repairs and your lost time getting this repaired. but be ready as the process is long and if the other guy doesn't show to court then you win but then try to get the money, You will have to put put a warrant for his arrest through the courts and that takes a while. but first go get an estimate and call the guy and ask him to pay, if he says no then take him to JUDGE JUDY!!!
2007-07-19 02:36:30 · answer #4 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to report it to your insurance unless you make a claim for damages, under your collision coverage. If you do, you still must pay the deductible portion, which may not be worth the difference, resulting in an increase in your insurance premium.
Will not appear on your driving record.
I had the bumper repainted on my car. It cost about $300.00. My deductible is $500.00, no insurance claim.
2007-07-19 02:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The police generally dont report to insurance companies, simply because thay dont have enough time. The only way your insurance would find out is if you got a ticket. They run your license every renewal perion. If it wasnt your fault, your insurance wouldnt be effected anyways.
2016-04-01 01:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What if the person who hit you decides to contact your insurance and claim he was parked, and you backed into him? His word against yours now, no police report to turn to.
Yes, do contact your insurance for just that reason. Also they may be able to assist you in collecting what is due to you for your damages.
http://www.bankrate.com:80/dls/news/insurance/20070713_car_insurance_claim_1.asp?prodtype=insur
have a read there for more.
2007-07-19 02:43:15 · answer #7 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Unless you're ALSO filing a claim, you do not need to report this.
Likely it will not show up on your driving record, as both cars were drivable and you were not cited, but your agent can tell you for sure - it MIGHT be state specific.
2007-07-19 02:40:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋