Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 9/4/2009

Question
I was in a car accident while working in California.  I was leaving a meeting at a customers business and was in a accident.  My boss does not pay me milage or any car allowance.  I do receive commissions for sales.  What benifit would there be to me by telling my insurance comapany yes, I was working.  My boss did not want me to say it because of course he may have to pay. Should i tell the truth next time and why?

Answer
Hi Janice,

In terms of the damage to the cars involved, there is no benefit to you stating that it happened while you were working. If the accident was your fault, Your insurance company will pay for the damage to both cars. If you were not at fault, you can have your vehicle repaired by either your insurance company or the at-fault persons insurance.

The only time it matters that you were working at the time of an accident is if there are injuries. If you are injured then you would be eligible for your injuries to ba handled as a workers compensation claim. If the other party is injured, then they may want to seek compensation greater than your policy limits and would want to pursue your employer assuming that they have deeper pockets.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbuagh