Expert: Claims Guy - 1/30/2010

Question
About a week ago I side swiped a car that was parked.At the time of the incident I gave her all my information and she only gave me her name and I got the plate numbers. We both agreed to not to get insurance involved and the lady would get some quotes. The first quote was for 700 and the second was for 400. The lady agreed to the 400 quote and 100 for a rental car. The lady wants cash or a certified a check in her name. And I told her only if she would sign a notarized paper releasing me of any liability. I don't even know if she has a license or insurance. Should I just go forward and report it to my insurance? Would I still have to pay my 500 deductible if my car is the one not being fixed? If my license has a hold will I  get into trouble?

Answer
And I told her only if she would sign a notarized paper releasing me of any liability.
This is a good idea, because she can keep coming back to you for more money otherwise.  But it does not need to be notarized - a witness signature should be sufficient.  Keep in mind that sometimes shops find hidden damage and the cost goes up once they start working.  So she may not be comfortable with this.  but this sounds like minor damage, so the estimate is probably correct.

I don't even know if she has a license or insurance.
This is irrelevant.

Should I just go forward and report it to my insurance?
This is debatable.  It depends on your driving record and accident history.  Your policy should state what they do in the event of filing a claim and explain their surcharge policy.  Try to figure out if it will cost you more than $500 in surcharges.  But if you have a bad record and may get cancelled, it is probably better to keep your insurer out if it.

Would I still have to pay my 500 deductible if my car is the one not being fixed?
Not for her damage.  Only if you repair your car.


If my license has a hold will I  get into trouble?
Not sure what this means.  What do you mean by "hold?"  And in trouble with who?