Auto Insurance Claims/Fender bender

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Expert: - 12/18/2011


Question
Hi, my husband was backing out of a parking spot and gently bumped a car parked illegally next to him.  The other car owner was highly aggressive and angry, and blew the incident way out of proportion.  Although my husband gave him our insurance information, he did not give any information to my husband.  There is no visible damage to our car, and there may be a scrape to the other car bumper.  Here's my question:  should I call my insurer and put them on notice?  Or should I simply hope the other guy doesn't call?

Answer
Hi Meridith,

You can wait to see if the other guy reports it to your insurance company. He may decide it is to minor to fool with. If you report it even if the claim is minimal it will count as an at fault accident and may raise your rates.

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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