How do car insurance claims work? Should I make the claim on the accident below?
A week or so ago some one scraped the wing and bumper of my car and admitted fault. We agreed that I would get a couple of quotes to see whether to settle privately or go through insurance. I therefore haven't contacted my insurance company yet, although she has contacted hers in case she needs to make a claim.
I have today crashed into the back of a 4×4 and completely wrecked the bumper and number plate as well as damaged the bonnet.
My question is, should I report today's accident and make the claim on my insurance, or should I just report last week's accident and let the claim go under the other person's insurance who scraped my car? Will this affect her in any way? Will her insurance company dispute the claim as there is much more damage than you would expect with a scrape.
If I report today's accident, will my policy be liable for the full cost or can I attribute some to last week's accident?
Not sure what to do.
Update:
Thanks for the answers so far. Both sets of damage were to the front of the car. The original incident left damage to the bumper and the drivers side front wing. The second incident left damage to the bumper, number plate and bonnet.
As above - you cant claim the other persons insurance for damage caused by yourself today. If you run in to the back of another car, its your fault - end of story.
Trying to claim is fraudulent and you will get caught.
Filed under: Work Accident Claims
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I'm assuming that the original impact was to the rear of the car being that you are talking about the bumper and spoiler being damaged and the new impact is to the front of the car assuming by (Bonnet you mean hood) If this is the case, then your attempt at insurance fraud will fail miserably and you will be prosecuted accordingly.
If you are saying that you got your rear end damaged by both the original impact and the new one, that is also insurance fraud and you will be prosecuted accordingly. They will compare the damage to her car vs your car and will be able to tell very quickly that she did not do all that damage to your vehicle.
The right thing to do unless you want to go to jail and face severe fines is to tell the other person that you have damaged your car again and not to worry about it. Make a claim on your insurance to cover the damage to your vehicl and the other person that you hit and go on your way.
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Collision center manager
If you tried to put yesterdays damage on the previous incidents bill as soon as her insurers got her description of the accident the claim would be disputed. The insurers accident investigators would almost certainly detect the fact that there was damage from 2 different incidents (so my body repair tech son informs me) and not only would the claim be thrown out you would stand the chance of a criminal prosecution for fraud.
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you have to turn that in on your insurance if you try to say that was from her and the insurance finds out the low down thay will come after you for insurance fraud that not any thing i would wont to chance
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Lesson learnt, You should have reported the first accident anyway an not so doing if you try to claim for damage other than she knew about she could deny that damage which would mean going to court to sort it out. best thing would be to confess to your insurance company what has happened as the 4×4 may try to claim some damage an they will need to know even whiplash injuries can be claimed days after such an event. Just be honest an let them sort it out it is what you pay them for. Best of luck with the claim.
I would also let the lady know what has happened to you so you are working from the same page.
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Don't try it you can get in big trouble and end up in court.
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As above - you cant claim the other persons insurance for damage caused by yourself today. If you run in to the back of another car, its your fault - end of story.
Trying to claim is fraudulent and you will get caught.
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All insurance companies and underwriters are connected to each other now.
After an auto accident or insurance claim Part 1
Have you ever had to deal with getting your car repaired after an accident? Want to be prepared in case that day ever comes? Then this series of questions and answers is for you. We take you through some the most commonly asked questions when dealing with making a claim and what the process is in getting a vehicle repaired after a claim. Before contacting an insurance company: What do I do if I'm involved in an accident or need to make an insurance claim?
Accidents are almost always unexpected and very stressful. It's important to keep as calm as possible.
Being prepared in the case of an accident is also important. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk or under a seat with a set of collapsible cones, warning triangles or even emergency flares. Make sure you also have a PEN and a card with relevant medical information for you and your family. Keep a disposable camera handy to take pictures, especially one that has a flash in case the accident is at night. Most disposable cameras are fairly durable and can survive the heat of a car, especially if stored away from direct sunlight. Replace it every two years to be sure the film is fresh.
What to do right after an auto accident:
* Stay as calm as possible.
* Call the police immediately. They will write up a police report that will have a report number which you will need.
* Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
* If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, most states will allow you to your vehicles to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic. Check your states laws.
* Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety. Turn car engine off so it does not risk sparking a fire.
* Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and write it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well. Swap information with the other party. Names, phone numbers, insurance policy information, tag numbers, VIN number and make of vehicle.
* Don't sign any documents unless a police officer asks you to sign for a ticket.
* Be polite, but don't ever tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. It is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police.
* If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene. You want to get pictures of the cars involved, the people, and especially the damage before it is taken away from the scene. Pictures of skid marks or guard rails or other objects that were part of the accident are also useful.
* If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
* Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.
* Don't accept offers to settle for payment on the spot without careful consideration. You may be held liable later for the same damages.
What do I do if I am involved in an accident or have to make a claim after I contact the insurance company?
All insurance companies have different procedures and policies on reporting an accident. Check with your insurance carrier and request the proper steps.
How do I get an estimate done on my vehicle?
Once the insurance company has the information about the accident including a police report, they will set up an appointment with either a field appraiser or a Direct Repair Auto Body Shop to write the repair estimate.
If the accident or claim is not my fault, do I go through my insurance company or the other person's insurance company?
Report the crash to your insurance company immediately or within the time specified by your policy along with a copy of any police reports or supporting documents. Then report it to the other insurance company. Typically each company will have its own way of handling a claim. The majority of the time, if it is not your fault, the other insurance company will process the claim. Just keep on top of them to insure your case is being handled promptly and to your satisfaction. That wraps up the first part of this 3 part series. I hope you found some good information to help you understand the process of getting a vehicle repaired after an insurance claim.
Jake started his automobile career working for a small town automobile repair shop in the South East. After working there for almost a decade, he decided to try his hand on the flip side of the coin an
References :
http://www.howtoclaiminsurance.com/after-an-auto-accident-or-insurance-claim-part-1
Try to deal it out of pocket, otherwise insurance rates will go up much more. You can check how quotes will change here - carquotes.fateback.com
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