should i claim it to insurance?

Question

I was involved in a minor accident this weekend. I rear ended a van in a parking lot. There was no damage to my truck and I couldnt see any damage to his van but he said his bumper was pushed in. I was nervous because that was the first accident I have ever been in and he was pretty mad. We didn't call the police but he took all my info and my insurance card. He called me the other day because I told him I would rather handle it without insurance. He said he got an estimate for $1300. He said I could make payments to him because I don't have 1300 dollars rite now. Or would I be better off claiming it? Someone told me if I get him to tell the insurance that I backed into him in my driveway its not as bad on ur record is this true? thanks

Answer 1

DON'T PAY HIM!

It sounds like he is trying to get some more money.

Don't lie to the insurance company's are good at detecting a liar. It doesn't even matter a claim is a claim whether it's $500 or $500,000.

Your insurance will go up between 10% or 30% for three years. Call your insurance agent and ask. You might have some accedent forgiveness.

So do the math. If your paying $1000 a year that's $100-300 surcharge per year X three years is $300-$900 total.

If you file a cliam it insures that he will get what is fair plus you will not need to worry about writing a check each month and him trying to screw you any more.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

First mistake-not calling the police.
It is possible his bumper is damaged. You have his address-go look! Bring a camera, and a newspaper. Take pictures of the front and side, with the newspaper in the picture to verify the date. (It's not necessary to see the date in the picture-just a few headlines will do).
If there is damage-how much is your deductable? If you have $1000 deductable, you might as well pay for the damage yourself. This way there is no record of a claim.
If it's not damaged (you can't see damage) ask to see the estimate from the body shop. Make sure it's a reputable one-some places will furnish an estimate for a fee, when there's no damage. (Rare, but happens.)
You can't make him get more than one estimate, nor can you require him to have it fixed at a place of your choosing. It won't make a difference if you tell the insurance company you "backed into him in my driveway".
Your insurance won't go up $1300 per year-but they may go up $200 every 6 months for the next 3 years.....face it, you file a claim, you're a bigger risk. And if he "claims injury later" he'll be out of luck. Sure, that works mayb 2-3 DAYS later-but after that, he's going to have a REAL tough time proving it was from this accident.
Oh, and if "this clown" "is getting a price on a new bumper and never intends to replace it"-doesn't matter. If the car is damaged, you are required to pay for the damage-but he is not required to fix it. Nothing illegal about it. Again, you can't make him get more than one estimate, you can't make him have it fixed at a place of your choosing, and you can't make him fix it at all.
$1300 is not a lot to pay to replace a bumper (and it's related parts).
You DO have the right to receive a copy of the estimate-get it and verify it. If you truly see no damage (look under the car too) tell the guy you refuse to pay him a dime. His only recourse would be to sue you in Small Claims Court. He CAN"T have you arrested. If he is trying to scam you (make sure you have your pictures before you tell him you won't pay him) he probably won't persue the case. If he does, you have your proof.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Before you get taken for $1300 dollars you should ask that you look for three estimates. allowing the individual to take all your information was a bad thing, but I understand at the time you weren't all there... I suggest you call this individual and inform him that because of the amount of damage you will have to make a claim with your insurance. Simply call your insurance and inform them want happened. They will inform you on what to do next. this will not effect your standing, but to be out of $1300 dollars for a possible $200 to $300 cost is worth the call...

Answer 4

Check this out.
If you pay this guy 1300 out of pocket he can still call the insurance company and report the accident and file a claim and get paid again.
I used to work for an insurance co and I've seen this happene so many times. The guy already has your insurance card.
And depending on your contract you can have your policy cancelled for not reporting accidents.

This is why you have insurance, to pay for incidents like this.

Please, call your insurance co at once!

Answer 5

Where the accident happened does not matter.

Also- changing the facts of the accident to try to change the effect of your rates could be considered insurance fraud. That's a crime and it's also grounds for your company to deny coverage.

My opinion - turn it into your company and let them handle. They will be able to provide the guy a rental car while his is being repaired. Are you prepared to pay for that as well? They will also handle it if he decides his neck hurts and wants to see a dr (if he was in the car when you hit it). Situations like this is why you have insurance. Your agent may be able to give you an idea of how your rates would be effected.

Answer 6

Why on earth would you pay 1300 dollars out of pocket when thats what you pay insurance for?! People crack me up and make me sad for them. HELLO- do you really think your rates are going to go up 1300?!! Also- do you know that you would owe him a rental out of pocket too? What if he claims injury later. COME ON.. why would u do that to yourself?

Answer 7

I'd say he knows you were scared and I think he is trying to make a quick buck.If this is your first accident call your insurance.Now the company sends someone out and estimates the damage and issues a check.This clown sounds like he is getting a price on a new bumper and never intends to replace it.

Answer 8

I strongly suggest you call your insurer at once. There's no way your preimums will increase by $1300 and this whole situation could turn to sh*t in an eyeblink.

Answer 9

Did you back into him in your driveway? No? It's fraud then if you lie about it.

You have insurance, right? You have it to cover you when you need it. Guess what? You need it. Turn it in and let them handle it. They will assure he hasn't inflated his damage claim, and have the right forms signed so it won't come back to haunt you later.

Answer 10

I would just pay him in payments. Your insurance won't go up and you won't have a record.