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Auto Insurance Claims/Under-age driver in minor car accident

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Expert: - 12/14/2010


Question
If my son was involved in a minor car accident (approx. $1,500 in damages) where he is 50% at fault, will they raise our car insurance premium?  We were told we should settle outside of our car insurance company because he is under the age of 18 and had his license for only a year.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Vic,

Yes. If your son was any percent at fault, the insurance company will use that to increase the premium. You should expect in the area of a 40% increase in premium. If the claim has not yet been reported to the insurance company and there is no police report, you should consider paying the claim yourself. Be sure to get a signed release form before you pay any money.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

Auto Insurance Claims

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Richard 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 25 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 35 times.

Organizations
Society of Certified Auto Appraisers

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.

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