Expert: Bennie719 - 3/5/2008

Question
My husband and I were in a 5 mile rear bumper accident two months ago in which our less than one month car was hit.  We've exchanged information, and I was nice enough to get two estimates.  It did take me a month to get both of them though, and I didn't made contact till a month after the accident.

 It's been more than a month since my first contact, and I'm pretty sure that person is just trying to avoid me. She didn't want me to contact her insurance, so I respected that but I can't even find her anymore.  My question is as follow: is there any chance of me filing a claim two months after the accident?  What's the best way to handle this now that I'm in this predicament.  I'm a bit tempted to go wait for her at her residence since I have that information, but that seems a bit stalker-like.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Answer
Hi Bonnie,
You need to immediately report this accident to your own insurance company.  Most states require your insurance company file proof of insurance for you with the department of motor vehicles following an accident.
You can either have your own insurance repair your car (less your deductible, which will be returned when they collect).  This will save you all the headache of dealing with the case, or you need to file a claim directly against her insurance company.
Her company can't pay you until they get a report from her.  Since she has been avoiding you, she will probably avoid her insurance company and this will be drawn out even longer.  I strongly recommend that you have the car repaired through your own company.  Since you were not at fault, this should have no affect on your rate.
I hope this information is of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area