Expert: Claims Guy - 12/26/2008

Question
While driving in the parking lot of my apartment complex, I slipped off and hit two parked cars (I will refer to as vehicle A and vehicle B). Vehicle A only had a minor damage on the rear bumper but vehicle B had a significant dent on the passenger side rear quarter panel. My vehicle had a significant scratch across the passenger side. I called the police and upon arrival the police officer slipped too showing that the area was really bad. Several hours later while the cop was documenting the incident, another guy driving in slid off and hit my vehicle pretty bad breaking my rear passenger side axle. The impact also caused my vehicle to scratch against another vehicle (which was the same vehicle A that I hit earlier)but this time significant damage was done to the from passenger side of vehicle A. My question is how do you think the insurance company will deal with this situation. My vehicle is a 2006 Hyundai Azera and I'm suspecting that the damage to it might exceed $10,000. I have collision coverage with property damage coverage of $7500 and a $500 deductible. I spoke with the adjuster of the car that hit mine and he said he only has $7000 dollars to cover the damage to my vehicle and to vehicle A. Vehicle A is a 1994 chevy cavalier and I'm assuming it's totaled. Vehicle B is a 1994 Camry and I'm assuming it will cost about $1200 to fix. I'm also assuming that this will be handled as two separate accidents. My question then is can I make two separate claims on my collision insurance then?

Answer
Yes, this is two separate accidents and should be handeld as two different claims.  Collision coverage should apply twice separately.

Also, it sounds as though the accidents may have been unavoidable because of the ice.  It may be determined that everyone handles  thewir own damage and no one is liable to others.

One other point - you need a lot more coverage.  You should never leave yourself in a position where you might be underinsured.  It doesn't cost that much more for more coverage but it is well worth it.  Talk to an agent about what levels are sufficent for you.