Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/5/2010

Question
Hi, I rear ended a chevy tahoe a week ago going less than 10 mph with my bmw 528i. We pulled over to the side of the road, and there was no damage to either car. We agreed not to contact our insurance, and traded information. I got a call later saying that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. But I'm not entirely sure it was my fault. The claimant drove away from the side of the road, and nothing seemed out of place or wrong.

Instead of keeping this outside of insurance, the other person filed a claim, and I received a letter from her insurance company recently requesting my action.

What course of action should I take here?

Answer
Hi Shawn,

Since insurance companies have been involved, you should report this to your insurance company. You should insist that they investigate the claimed damages. If the Tahoe has any age or mileage on it, and the fact that a fuel pump is a part that does wear out over time, there is potential that you would only be responsible for part of the cost of the replacement. They will also verify to the extent possible, that the fuel pump failure was due to the impact.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh