Scenario: A drunk guy vandalized someone’s car in a fit of rage. I have a few questions…
#1. Do the police need to be involved in order for the victim to file a comp claim with his auto insurance?
#2. Can a comp claim cause the victim’s insurance rate to increase?
After the incident, the drunk guy (sobered up!) apologized and offered to pay for the damages he caused… problem is the victim is handing out an outrageous estimate for the damage. He claims he doesn’t want to file an insurance claim so that his rates won’t increase. I understand with comp claims there will be a deductible to pay, but will the rates increase?
Thanks!
#3…. forgot to add this… will insurance pay for a rental while the car is in the shop with a comp claim?
I’m actually pretty sure that there is a police report… but no formal charges were filed, which is why he is wanting to avoid the whole police thing…
What happened specifically is that the rear windshield was broken… there were car seats inside that needed to be replaced b/c they were covered in glass. The victim has handled over an estimate of almost $3000!!! For a rear windshield and two car seats. He isn’t wanting to file an insurance claim due to fear of a rate hike, but the drunk guy doesn’t want to shell out $3000 for a $500 or less fix.
haha… i’m not the victim… and i’m not the drunk guy… i’m the drunk guy’s friend (really, i am!!!)
the 8 ball says chances are good…… i asked it again and it said yes.
1. No
2. Yes–any claim will cause a rise in your insurance, unless you have a “forgiveness” clause on your policy (some companies do that)
The drunk guy should ask for another independent estimate of cost of damage.
If you can handle the cost yourself, it’s usually good not to file a claim, especially if you have a high deductible. Insurance is for the big things, not the little ones.
Re rental car, check the policy to see if (a) you have rental reimbursement coverage and (b) if it’s only for accidents, or for any time the car is being fixed.
I agree with tonalc1 except for the answer to your first question. If you file a claim, some insurance companies ask for a copy of the police report, even if it wasn’t an accident, some want it to be called in. Only the insurance company or claims adjuster can answer that for sure.
#1 Police do not need to be involved for comp claim; however, a report will help the insurance carrier “subrogate” the claim (get their money back from the responsible party).
#2 In CA, comp claims do not raise auto premiums; however, it may be a factor used to determine if the company wants to RENEW the policy at the next term. In CA, a company cannot “non-renew” a risk solely on comprehensive claims; but, if you also have other activity that makes you a “non good-driver” (at fault accident with injury, major violation, or combination of 2 points from minor violations or at fault accidents without injury) then a company may choose to non-renew if you also have lots of comprehensive losses.
Best advice (if you are the victim), get the report…(will be proof if the drunk guy tries to not pay). However, it sounds like you might be the drunk guy. If so, and you think you are being gouged, have the victim use his insurance and offer to pay him the amount of the deductible, be sure to get proof of payment in case his insurance company attempts to subrogate against you for the loss.
ok ….friend of drunk guy
1. The police do not need to be involved in a comp claim unless it is a vehicle theft loss
2. No, insurance rates do not go up on comp losses (unless you have 4 or 5 of them, then the Co. might drop you as a high risk)
3. Rental is questionable. it depends if the other person purchased it and if his policy covers rental for comp losses or only collision losses.
4. There is no guarantee that the Insurance Estimate will be any less. IF the other person is adamant that he will not go through his own company, make him get several estimates.
Keep your friend away from cars when he is drunk!
The victim had no control over the “drunk guy” damaging their vehicle, so no fault to the victim. Filing a claim under comp will not increase the rates. If the insured (victim) has rental car reimbursement then they can get a rental car while theirs is in the shop. I would have the victim get different estimates for the damage just to make sure the place that gave the original estimate is on the up and up. Good Luck