Expert: Doctor Settlement - 4/6/2006

Question
Hello,

A vehicle crashed into my parked car and took off.  Damage is only to the left front fender and wheel.  I do not have collision coverage, being that it was a hit and run I can not file claim against the driver at fault.  So, will my insurance company fix my vehicle under Uninsured coverage?

Answer

Dear Elixo,

Yes, your Uninsured Property damage coverage should cover that situation.  It will help you if you made a report of the collision to the police.  If you did not, then you should do so before you turn in the claim.  It would also help if you have a witness who can say that the car was in good shape some short time before the acccident.

All of that just adds some validity to the claim.  Still, there are some companies that will give you a hard time, apparently fearing that the insured caused the damage and is trying to pull a fast one by blaming it on a hit and run driver.

If they do not go along with you, then consider making a complaint to your insurance commissioner.  Contact that official by looking on my links page, here:
http://www.settlementcentral.com/links.php

Finally, even though this is not an "at-fault" accident, you might sneak some information from your insurance agent as to the chances of your suffering some kind of rate increase if you were to file the claim and get paid for the loss.  This should NOT be permitted by your insurance commissioner, but that does not mean some companies don't still do rate increases for UIM claims.    If you were to find out that there is a chance for a rate increase, then consider paying for the damage yourself and not reporting the claim (and making an inquiry through the insurance commissioner on the side!).

I trust that this information was of help to you and thus I respectfully request that you leave me some feedback on the form provided by this website.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D.
www.SettlementCentral.Com