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Auto Insurance Claims/should i submit claim to the Insurance Company?

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Expert: - 8/3/2011


Question
Hello. I was entering a round-about in Florida at a yield sign when I slowed down and stopped to yield two cars already in the round-about. Once I stopped I was rear ended. We pulled up and the young driver told me he was sorry and asked if I was hurt. It was a minor accident. He asked me not to report it but when I saw that my bumper was badly damaged I called the police reported it,the police came and the Police gave the other driver a citation for driving to close to me. The other driver did not want me to report the accident to insurance so I waited two days before having my dad report the accident to my dad's insurance agent. I was borrowing my dad's car I am 54 years old and I have never had a accident and my father has a perfect record too.I was about 12 miles from his home Since I was driving his car will Allstate use this accident as a means to increase his insurance rates and would you report this to Allstate even if it wasn't my fault?

Answer
You should report the claim to the other driver's insurance and ask them to pay.  if you have trouble, report to your dad's insurer.  they will pay and then subrogate aainst either the kid or his insurer - this means they will attempt to collect the amount they paid plus your deductible.  If you have insurance, they would not be involved.  Your dad should not be surcharged since he was not at fault.  But this might affect his premium snce there was a loss - each insurer handles this differently and you'd have to ask thm.

Auto Insurance Claims

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Claims Guy

Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

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