Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 10/8/2009

Question
I tapped into the car in front of me at a red light and left a few scratch marks on the bumper but she had other damage done to the back of the car from backing into a hitch. Since there is other damage done to the rear of the car but isn't claimed through her insurance, would my insurance be responsible for any of the damage?

Answer
Hi Brooke,

Your insurance company would not be responsible for any preexisting damage. you need to call your insurance company and tell them of the prior damage. Give as detailed an explanation of the prior damage as you can. Your insurance company will send out an inspector to inspect the damage. If the prior damage was such that the bumper already needed to be replaced, the inspector will likely denay any further payment. If the damage was minor, the inspector will approve payment of something but will note the prior damage and will not pay for that prior damage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh