Auto Insurance Claims/liability claim

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Expert: - 7/16/2010


Question
I hit a car in a parking lot (last week). The owner has since noticed her fender is partially detatched. If I give the info to my insurance company, will I have to pay the deductible for her repair? I'm not sure which direction would be best, report it to my company or pay for the repair myself. Also is there a deadline for reporting it?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Suzanne,

You should report the incident as soon as possible but there is no specific deadline. There is no deductible on liability coverage, so your insurance company will pay for the full cost to repair the other persons car. If your car is damaged, that is where the deductible comes into play if you have collision coverage.

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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