Expert: Anne - 5/4/2010

Question
A car in front of me was stopped to take a right turn, I was stopped behind it.   She started to go then abruptly stopped in front of me and I tapped her bumper.  We live in Florida.
There was no visible damage to her car I took pictures, and no police were called at her request. we exchanged insurance info. She called me today a week later and asked for 550 dollars (which she said was for the damage, there was non?) If i do not pay her and go through my insurance,does both hers and my insurance go up since Florida is a no fault state or only mine?
Thanks very much.

Answer
Hello Sue,

Florida no-fault state legislation do not apply to property damage. Thus, you can probably be held liable for the damage (if any).

Remember that she will have the duty to show that you caused the damage. Please see:
http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/Fault-for-the-Accident.html

Damages are a part of negligence and unless she can prove that you made them, there is no negligence. However, damages now days are expensive (yeah, fixing a bumper could be 500 bucks, if they need to paint it). Sometimes small bumps could cost that much, so double check their estimate to make sure you are getting charge correctly.

Good luck,
Anne
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