if there has been a crash a long time ago (maybe a couple of months) and I have not filed a report yet, but I still have an outside witness, can i still file a claim? Or will the insurance company say that it took too long?
2007-12-28 20:40:00 · 6 answers · asked by eee 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
i have the person's insurance information, licensce plate, and an outside witness too
2007-12-28 20:50:31 · update #1
The only way to know is to file the claim.
One reason not to delay - the insurance company will settle with you based on the repair prices that were in effect at the time of the incident (not the prices in effect when you report the claim.)
As labor rates and parts prices go up - you run the risk of getting less money than needed to repair your car.
2007-12-29 00:50:17 · answer #1 · answered by Boots 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's odd that someone suffers a loss for which another person is at fault for and then does not simply pick up the phone. I say odd, but not unheard of. There are reasons for many things.
It's not that big of a deal, as long as you can reasonably "prove" to the carrier what happen or they can verify it (which is sounds like you can). Reporting the claim a few months later does not change what happen or responsibility. You are governed by the Statute of Limitation in your state which is not less then 1 year.
2007-12-29 04:59:16 · answer #2 · answered by Todd C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The longer you wait, the harder it is for you to prove that ALL the damages you have were attributable to the accident. Plus, the witness might forget.
You have until the statute of limitations to sue the other guy. But the longer you wait for a claim file/appraisal/whatever, again, the easier it is for him to get off the hook.
Yes, you can still file the claim. But have a really, really good reason handy, why you waited so long.
2007-12-29 07:54:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you file a police report or call the police to the scene of the accident? That is the very first thing to do - always.
99% of insurance companies will want to see a police report to see who is at fault.....why did you wait so long??? Call your insurance company and find out the details.....and dont ever admit to anything being your fault at an accident scene....the cops will notate it and it can be used against you in court. Good Luck.....
2007-12-29 01:04:25 · answer #4 · answered by bigmikeumpire 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is there is a reason why a police report was not filed. Without one, it may be difficult at this point to present your claim. You can try to, but the insurance company may decline.
2007-12-29 00:56:50 · answer #5 · answered by Advantage-ME 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a police report, you can still file. was it the other persons fault? if so, contact their company and report it. they will in turn contact their insured and proceed with the claim. if it was your fault, you need to report it asap.
2007-12-29 01:45:57 · answer #6 · answered by Queen B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋