Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 3/3/2009

Question
I was parked head-in in a parking lot. As I was about to pull out, a car drove past in front toward my left. As the vehicle passed, I pulled my car out and started making a left. However, the driver of the other vehicle saw an open spot two spaces to my left and decided to put her SUV in reverse and backed into my car, damaging my left front light and front bumper. As far as I can see, her vehicle was not damaged. She agreed to pay to fix my front light since the damage was not substantial. This happened a week ago and after an initial phone call the day after the incident, she has not returned my phone calls.

My questions are:
1) Would I still be able to file a claim after a week?
2) Neither of us had a camera to document the accident scene and there wasn't any witness. I am clearly not at fault but as my car is really old, I only have liability coverage. If who's at fault becomes an issue, would it increase my premium if I file a claim?

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Quinn,

If you only have libility, that means that you have no collision coverage, so your insurance company can not help you at all. You would have to file a claim with the insurance company of the person who hit you. Since this was a parking lot accident it will likely be determined to be 50/50 liability. This means that they will only pay half of your damage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh