Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 5/26/2010

Question
I backed into a car that was parked behind me at my parents farm driveway. I have a few questions about the procedure you go through in filing an insurance claim. Do you need a police report? How long do you have to make the claim? Do the insurance companies of both vehicles need to talk to each other? Would this possibly be a claim on the home insurance? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jon,

First, the home insurance does not come into play here at all.

You should call your insurance company to report the incident. You backed into the other car so obviously you are at fault. There is no specific time limit, but you should report it as soon as possible. You do not need a police report. Your insurance company will pay for the damage to the other vehicle and if you have collision coverage they will also pay for the damage to your vehicle less any deductible. If your insurance company pays for the other cars repairs directly there is no need for them to contact the other insurance company. If the other car damage was paid for by their own insurance then thay will contact your insurance to get reimbursed.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh