Expert: Ron Cercone - 2/8/2009

Question
Hi.

First off let me say I am a foreign student in the USA.
I just got a car on 6th evening from a friend.
On 7th morning I took an appointment at insurance office to get my insurance.
I was driving there and I hit some one.
I havent seen the official report, I think it was my fault though. I got citation because it was his right of way not mine and I didnt see him. He didnt get one I think.
Cops told me I can get a copy of the report from the station later.

accident happend at 1200 pm and no injuires .

At 1245 i went to the insurance office and got liability.

But I dont want to commit insurance fraud with my insurance now.

I offered the guy to get the car fixed cheaper from mechanic I know.


Should I offer to get his car fixed and pay for it or wait for his insurance to claim it? He broke front left light, tire puncture, front left end smashed in. His car was camry model 2002-2006 not sure which exact year. mine is 97 model.

By the judge of the angle of hitting, his hood, bumper, tire, battery, spark plug case would need replacement. I can get all new online at $600-700 and pay my mechanic to do the work on his car.

But when I talk to the guy and asked him man please dont claim insurance, he only siad I dont know, maybe I will consider not doing it nothing sure.


I only have 2000 dollar in my account. I am in school I also have to pay fees. I am real worried. I can get his car fixed but if he claims insruance I dotn have money to pay him and I am a student.

What happens if I cant pay the money to insurance? Can they cut it down to like 50 or 100 dollars monthly?


I am thinking of selling my wrecked car for 600 dollars to get some money when I need to pay him.

I'd really appreciate your help...... I dont have money to hire lawyers or go to court....I have to finish my studies by next month or I dont get a job.....Please help!!


Any help appreciated.
thankyou.


Answer
Ahmed,

While most policies (and you should look at yours) say coverage starts at 12:01 a.m. the day you buy the policy, which would imply it would be covered, if you filled out an application for insurance, it should have asked if you have had any accidents and if there was any old damage to the car. Also, many companies either have their agent look at the car when you insure it, or have you take it to a place, like a repair shop, to have them look at your car to check for old damage.

The other driver does not have to let you or your shop fix the car. He is a nice guy if he lets your shop do the repairs. I hope your shop looks nice.

You might want to tell him, if he does not like the way the paint matches, he can still turn the claim in to his own insurance.

He does have to at least let you or your shop inspect the car for an estimate if he wants you to pay to fix it. Get good pictures of his car.

You may be better off to let him turn it in to his own insurer (if he will do that) since his insurance adjuster will try to keep the repair cost down. Then his insurer will seek reimbursement from you or file a small claims court action against you.