Expert: Charlie Barone - 6/29/2003

Question
Dear Mr. Barone,

Recently I accidently hit the rear bumper of a car while stopping at a red light.The other car's damage was slight and mine showed no damage except for a few scratches on the front bumper. I don't want to file a claim for a few scratches; I would probably get reimbursed but then my insurance premiums would likely go up (I live in Mass)

However, my insurer wants to send an appraiser to look over my "damages".  The implication I think I picked up is that all "reasonable" damages would be reimbursed, even if not related to the accident (no one actually said this but that is my feel).I do have miscellaneous scratches and small dents in the front of the car but they are old ones and don't bother me (I usually run my cars into the ground, then get another.).

Do I have to accept a reimbursement check from my insurer for "any" damages?  Do I even have to accept an inspection if I am not filing? I am not exactly sure what is going here but I don't think I like it.  Do you have any advice or a some referral?

Thanks very much.

Thom Liner

Answer
Dear Thom,

If you are not filing a claim under your collision coverage you do not have to submit to an inspection. However, if your insurance company is paying a liability claim for the damage to the other car, then they may want to inspect your car as part of the investigation. If it's a small claim, I would doubt they'd do this because it's not worth their time. You are under no obligation to file a claim or accept payment under your policy. I have never seen an insurer force an insured to accept a settlement they did not request.

Charlie