Auto Insurance Claims/son hit deer

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Expert: - 12/21/2006


Question
My son hit a deer while driving my car.  Will this accident go against his
insurance or my insurance?  We have separate policies.  Is it likely to raise both
of our insurance rates?  Is it considered comprehensive?

Answer
Dear Shirley,

Your son's accident will likely be categorized as an "at-fault" accident within the hallowed halls of your insurance company, and thus it will count against him when it comes time to renew.  

It will be covered under his comprehensive clause, subject to his deductible.  

HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP:
What if the car can "live with" some bumps and bruises and it takes only $1,000 to fix it, but your son has a $500 deductible?

I would just pay the $1,000 and NOT make a claim to the insurance company.  

What about your rates?  Well, it is not going to impact your rates at all since you are on separate policies.  Your insurance commissioner has adopted standards by which companies can consider an accident to be "at fault" and the minimum amount of damage that can be considered in making a rate increase.  For example, in Washington state, anything less than $750 damage cannot be considered in rate adjustments.  

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com

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27 years of front line plaintiff`s trial lawyer experience in PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIMS. Along with other attorneys and insurance adjusters, we have created a website to help injured people settle their own personal injury claims. With the help from feedback from hundreds of satisfied members, www.settlementcentral.com has become THE AUTHORITY for Internet personal injury insurance claim settlements. I am humbled and honored if people can benefit from my experience and current volunteer work in helping injured people. I hope I can explain things in a manner that is useful for the questioner. If not, do not hesitate to e-mail me and I will take a second shot at it! Best Wishes for your physical and financial recovery.

Experience



Life Experience: 27 years of front line plaintiff's trial lawyer experience

Organizations:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Publications: (Click on Title to Read)
Statute of Limitations
Vehicle Accident
Accident--Adjuster
Demand Letters
Policy Limits

Education/Credentials: J.D. (Juris Doctor) 1977

Awards and Honors: I am humbled and honored everytime I am selected to help injured people. And when people give feedback that they have benefited from my experience and current volunteer efforts, then that is a double honor and award for me.
 

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