Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 4/22/2009

Question
Hi, When my wife was pulling her car from Garage, she hit our friend's car that was parked in our driveway.  There are slight damages to both the cars that could cost about $2000 to fix.  We don't have police report.  How do I file my claim. I went to Service King center and got an estimate for both the vehicles. Do I need to file this as a comprehensive claim?  Also, Can I get the claim check in my name and fix the cars in the facility of my choice ?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi William,

You would simply call your insurance company to report the incident. This will be handled as a collision claim and will be considered an at-fault accident for your wife. The damage to your car will be paid based on an estimate that the insurance company writes less your collision dedictible. That check can be payable to you only as long as you do not have a loan on the vehicle. If you do have a loan then the check must be made payable either to you and the lienholder or you and the body shop they will do the repairs. As for your friends damage, your insurance company will issue a check directly to your friend based upon an estimate writen by the insurance company.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh