Ok, so I just got into an accident. I’m 18. I was switching lanes and hit a car that was in my blind spot. (So it was my fault). It was not a serious collision at all, there’s some scratches on my door and a slight dent on the other car’s fender. The police did come to the scene, but they a police/accident report was not filed because it was deemed unnecessary for something as minor as this. So, basically, I just ended up exchanging insurance info with the other person. I have insurance, with a $500 deductible. I’m guessing that the damage on the other car will be less than $500 (the car is an 08 Toyota RAV4). Should I call my insurance company and file a claim to have them cover it, or should I try to settle this with the other person without getting the insurance involved? Let’s just pretend that the other person will be willing to settle it personally.
And if the other person does decide to file an insurance claim against me, does that mean I have to file a claim myself? I’m a bit confused here, haha.
Thanks in advance!
wel ity dont tak emuch to hit 500 bucks on any damage really .. some scratches and a dent would do it easy an dsure you should turn it in is what your paying it for… if not they trun it in to theirs an dyou stil have to take care of damage
it all depends if the other guy files with his insurance company or not. he could decide to file with yours so he will not be responsible for his deductible.
but lets say the guy says fine, we dont file so you dont get charged a surcharge for an at fault accident. just because he has a small dent on fender, does not mean the cost maybe less than $500; 1 thing to consider is that his vehicle is an 08 toyota, fairly new, so parts could be pricey. older vehicles, shops can get aftermarket parts that are cheaper. it is not only the part/repair, but labor time and paint time.
call the guy and ask him if he is willing to settle without insurance.
if he is willing do this;
1; have him get an estimate of his damages
2; take that estimate to another shop and ask them if the price from the shop he quoted is reasonable? he could decide to have his entire car painted, or other things not related. also, if estimate shows new fender vs repairing the fender, that can make the cost double. ask if that is reasonable.
3; now, after you know the cost; call your insurance company and ask them if you submit claim for your damages in the amount of $$$, how much will your premium go up? if for instance, damages are $650 and your premium goes up $100 a year, go with your company to handle. but say your premium would go up $500 a year, then pay yourself, since most premium changes are for 3 years.
4; the $500 deductible is for your car repairs only;;;;;;;;;;;
there is no deductible for liability to other parties. so by filing, your company pays and you pay nothing out of pocket, other than higher premium charged for this accident.
5; if the other guy files with your company, you dont have to file a claim for your damages on your car, but you will have to cooperate with your insurance company while they do their investigation. it is required under your insurance policy.
6; if you decide to pay the other person w/out no insurance claim.
this is important.
do so by check; get a receipt from the guy stating full and final payment for damages of auto accident of blank date. have him sign this.
if not, the guy may come back later and ask for more; or he could claim you never paid him etc.
also; something most people dont know; if you pay him the amount of his damages shown per a estimate, he does not have to have his car fix; he can take the money and use himself; this is legal. when insurance pays the other party, most of the time, they pay the person personally. if the party fixes fine, if not, dont care; insurance pays for their damages and moves on. we pay for what we owe; how they use it is no concern.
good luck
I would go on and notify the insurance company. what if the other driver said yes he’d settle and you paid him then he turned around and filed a report anyway for damages. Don’t be so trusting of the other driver. You could end up paying twice! That’s what you pay insurance for let them do their job. glad nobody was hurt!!! What if the driver screamed a neck or back injury later…….