You are here:
- Home
- Autos
- Auto Insurance
- Auto Insurance Claims
- insurance record for a bicyclist
Auto Insurance Claims/insurance record for a bicyclist
Advertisement
Question
Six weeks ago, my son who is 17 and a minor, was hit in the crosswalk of our local community college while riding his bicycle home from school. The driver had a stop sign and never looked right before pulling into traffic. Although I don't believe my son was 30% at fault, we settled with the insurance company of the young man who hit my son on a 70/30 basis of culpability, because I was satisfied that my son's costs (replacement of bicycle, medical, and pain and suffering) were fully covered and he does not have lasting injuries. My concern is that I have somehow messed up my son's insurance record and that if at some point in the future he has an accident, that there is now a record saying he is at fault in this bicycle accident and it will negatively affect him and his insurance rates. By the way, we did not use our insurance at all in the accident. All damages were covered by the driver of the car. I'm not sure if I'm being paranoid, or if there is some kind of big insurance database out there that will see him as a poor liability. Two questions, is the insurance industry now watching my son, and if so for how many years? And second, if I have messed up my son's insurance record, is it too late to correct my error since he is a minor, and I'm the one who signed everything on his behalf?
Hi Ingrid,
If your son has a drivers license ot a learners permit and a police report was made, then the odds are very strong that it will show on his driving record.
Since this was settled on a 70/30 basis, unless you paid the driver of the car at least $500 toward his damage, it is not considered a 'chargeable' accident and will have no future affect on his record. If there was no police report or if your son does not have a drivers license or learners permit, the odds are practically nil that there will be any record against him.
This case is now settled and all legal releases have been signed, there is no way to undo it.
I trust this information has been helpful.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 11-07-07 4:54 AM PST
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
Questioner's Rating
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Bennie, thank you so much for your quick and efficient response. I only wish that I had found this website before, rather than after settling! At the time of the accident, I told the young man, that if he wanted to keep it between us and pay for the damages to my son's bike so that his insurance rates and driving record didn't suffer, we could do that. I even called the police and told them what had happened and that it didn't seem like there were any serious injuries and asked if we need to bring an officer on scene. Half an hour later, my son can no longer move his shoulder and we headed to our doctor's office. When I called the young man that evening and gave him an update, he had now decided that my son was at fault for being in a crosswalk on a bicycle. I said fine let's fill out police reports and let the insurance take care of it. The next day I spoke to the insurance adjuster who said that from the sound of it, they would be taking care of everything. Then, after talking with their insured, decided to go with the 70/30 split. Initially I told them no way. The insurance adjuster assured me that it was because the kids parents were long time policy holders and he was trying to satisfy them as well. My son's doctor visit, x-ray, and bicycle replacement added up to approximately $550. The adjuster took the initial $1000 settlement amount we discussed (including pain and suffering), to $1500 so that we would still come out about the same and he would satisfy his client. I thought, fine this is obviously an insurance game and settled with them. I assumed, and a part of me still assumes, that each insurance situation is handled on an individual basis. In hindsight I feel naive. The good news is we did not pay a dime toward the scratch this guys' fender sustained when he hit my son. Hopefully there is no next time, but I certainly regret not bringing the police to the scene at the time of the incident. Thanks again Bennie! Ingrid | ||
Related Articles
Auto Insurance Claims
Answers by Expert:
Bennie719
Expertise
I have extensive knowledge in Personal Auto, Homeowners Insurance and Personal Umbrella coverage. I am also thoroughly familiar with claims handeling procedures. Will answer questions related to the above.
Experience
Experience in the area: Served as an expert at askme.com from 7/2000 thru 10/2002 in the catagories of general insurance, auto and home insurance. Answered 422 questions before that site closed. Licensed in California since 1961, first in Life and Health for 2 + years and as a Property/Casualty Agent/Broker since 1964. I sold my business and took early retirement in 1998. Still maintain a valid California Property/Casualty Agent/Broker license.
I have been a volunteer at allexperts.com since 2002. I can provide assistance in the following fields: Property and Casualty Insurance, Insurance Law, Auto Insurance Claims.
Education/Credentials
not applicable
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.