Expert: Bennie719 - 3/20/2008

Question
I am in the process of Filing a claim about damage done to my truck camper. (Camper sits in the bed of the truck.)

It was hit in January '08. I didn't file then because I figured I would pay out of pocket, minor damage.

Now it is "water damaged." Costs to repair exceed the worth of camper.

My question is, I do not want to get the woman who hit it into trouble with her insurance company. (Family)

But I've already told my insurance compamy that she hit it.
They want her name, phone number and address.

How can I keep her out of this as much as possible?

Answer
Hi Michael,
Your insurance company is not going to pay for damage caused by another party.
They have a right to all the information about the person that hit you.
Based on your statement, I see the possibility of an even greater problem.
You state that the original damage was 'minor'.  If the water entered through the damaged area and caused your camper to now be a total loss, both companies can deny coverage for the water damage.
Once your camper is damaged, you have a legal obligation to the insurance companies to protect it from future damage.  If you failed to do so, they can deny the water damage.

I hope this information has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area