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Auto Insurance Claims/Rear-Ended in Texas
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Question
Hello,
I was rear-ended this morning while accelerating from a stoplight that changed to green. We exchanged insurance information and his insurance company is a very small company. It took 1 hour for them to answer my call to file a claim. I'm concerned that the time to get an adjuster our may also be slow and tedious.
Is there a time limit on how long it can take?
Also, will this claim against his insurance harm my perfect driving record? If I am not mistaken, a rear-end accident is almost always the other persons fault.
My friends think the damage to my bumper is pretty minor and should just get a check and not worry about it. I didn't think this was possible either since I have a leinholder.
When I finally filed a claim, his insurance seemed much more worried about bodily injury. While I don't think I sustained any they kept wanting me to say that I was ok and no injury occured. I refused to say that, I said that at this time (1 hour after the accident, I feel ok). Why were they so concerned and asking numerous time?
Thanks!
Several question here which in detail would take an hour to address all.
The abbreviated answer is that:
The insurance companies are so concerned about bodily injury because there are so many fraudulent claims. We can thank sorry people and late night BI attorneys for this. It has no bearing however on any property damage claim.
As far as your question as to how long it can take, it is somewhat ambiguous. Are you referring to the hold time, the statute of limitations in TX or the insurance commissioner guidelines on claim handling?
I'm not aware of any system that would directly affect your driving record on a third party claim. However, do understand that you are contractually obligated to report all accidents to your own insurance company so they can document everything in a timely manner (in case the other party's insurance denies the claim).
Don't listen to your friends. Flexible bumper covers can often hide damage. The car needs to be looked at by an adjuster or body shop professional.
Good luck!
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Answers by Expert:
webfoot
Expertise
Auto damage, liability, insurance fraud. I am a full time auto insurance adjuster with experience in collision, theft, liability and fraud investigation. I am also an ASE Master Auto Tech and I-Car Collision Platinum certified. My experience includes 15 years in the auto repair industry, a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Law enforcement and auto insurance. ****** NO "PRIVATE" QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED. I HAVE FOUND THAT NEARLY ALL PRIVATE QUESTIONS COME FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE CONSIDERING OR ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT FELONY INSURANCE FRAUD AND I'M NOT HERE TO HELP YOU! ****** I AM HERE TO ANSWER AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, CLAIMS PROCESS AND SOME SIMPLE LIABILITY QUESTIONS. I CANNOT ADDRESS COMPLEX LIABILITY SCENARIOS WITHOUT HAVING ALL OF THE INFO FROM BOTH SIDES IN FRONT OF ME. QUESTIONS ABOUT PREMIUMS OR HOW INSURANCE IS RATED SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO YOUR PERSONAL INSURANCE AGENT WHO KNOWS A WHOLE LOT MORE ABOUT YOUR HISTORY THAN I DO. I'VE NEVER SOLD INSURANCE AND DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE RATES WILL GO UP IF YOU MAKE A CLAIM. THOUGH I'VE HANDLED SOME VERY MINOR SOFT TISSUE INJURY SETTLEMENTS, I PREFER NOT TO ANSWER INJURY RELATED QUESTIONS. I'M NO INJURY EXPERT AND I'LL LIKELY SAY SOMETHING TO HURT SOMEONE'S FEELINGS AS I BELIEVE THAT MANY SOFT TISSUE PAIN AND SUFFERING CLAIMS ARE OVER DRAMATIZED. UNLIKE MANY OTHERS, I AM ON THIS FORUM AS A VOLUNTEER WITH NO PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO SELL AND PROMISE AN UPFRONT ANSWER BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE INDUSTRY. IF YOU PROVIDE ME WITH A HONEST VERSION OF EVENTS, I PROMISE A CANDID AND HONEST ANSWER IN RETURN. I CANNOT ADDRESS ALL CLAIM SCENERIOS DUE TO DIFFERING STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS, BUT WILL DO MY BEST. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT AN HONEST ANSWER MAY BE ONE THAT YOU DON'T LIKE SO IF THAT IS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM, PLEASE DON'T ASK THE QUESTION. LASTLY, I DO NOT ACCEPT RATINGS AS I DON'T DO THIS FOR RATINGS AND WISH TO SPEAK FREELY.
Experience
20 years in automotive industry, Currently in insurance claims, worked actively as technician and shop owner until about 10 years ago. Current ASE Master Auto Tech and I-Car Platinum Collision Certifications, B.S. Criminal Justice and 10 year auto insurance/extended warranty background
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