AboutRichard Hixenbaugh Expertise Auto insurance claims procedure, auto coverage, liability issues, auto damage questions, how to deal with the insurance company, loss of use and diminished value.
Experience I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 20 years. I have experience in underwriting, sales, claims adjusting, auto damage estimating, auto value appraising and diminished value appraising. I have testified as an expert witness over 10 times.
Education/Credentials Completed all required courses for the Florida Property-Casualty agents license and the Florida claims adjusters license. I have attended various courses on auto damage estmating, vehicle appraising and am ASE certified in collision damage analysis.
Past/Present clients My company has done work for consumers nationwide.
Question Hi,
I was involved in an accident, when my car hit a light pole on a town street. Except for the pole and my car nothing was damagedand nobody ws injured.
The police officer arriving at the location of the accident took all the information about the car, insurance , etc. No citation was issued, and I never received any notes, claims. and the likes from whoever owned the light pole.
My insurance company considered me at fault but
honored my claim. As a result the insurance paid for the damages. The car was fixed and I only paid the deductible.
I assumed that the insurance will file the Accident report to DMV. However, 1.5 mos after the accident I received a letter from my insurance advising me to file the Accident Report.
Since it must be only 10 days gap between the accident and filing the report what should I do? I am worried that now my driver license is going to be suspended.
On the other hand, the insurance agent from the Claims Dept. advised me not to worry and not to file the Accident report.
I am looking forward to your reply!
Thanks in advance.
AG
Answer Hi Alex,
Each state has different requirements as to when a driver needs to file an accident report. If there was a police report made I would think that would do it. I am not familiar with specific state requirements on filing accident reports. You should contact your state DMV to find out what the requirement is and then comply with that requirement.
