What is the best way to deal with hitting someones car?

jumping_in_101

You can tell them anything you want, but they are in the business of getting the car fixed. They will figure it out if it is only scratched. Doesn't matter if you do $200 or $2,000 in damage, it only matters that it was your fault and therefore they must pay.

At fault means your insurance goes up because now you are a bigger risk than before (regardless of what the damage costs).

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it is how it works. If you don't file a claim, or no one else files one against you, the reverse is also true with many insurance companies - you get discounted rates for being a lower risk.

The claim will stay with you now. Ask your insurance agent for how long, it is different with different companies. Shop around, there may be another company with lower rates for higher risk categories, or at least one that doesn't hold it against you as long.

oklatom

The best way to deal with an at fault accident is to notify your insurance company, give them the facts, and then LET THEM handle it.

Chris

Your insurance should be doing the appraisal of his damages, and they will pay for what they find to be related based on their estimate. You can't tell them he's full of it, unless you yourself know about vehicle damage and appraised it yourself. Let them do what you're paying them to do. You'd be surprised, however, how much even a little scratch can cost. Sometimes you can't see everything that is damaged. If absorbers were moved, you're talking an entire bumper replacement, and today's repair prices are not cheap. It's nothing for a car to have 1k in damage.

CowboyBill

Yes, you can tell your claims adjuster, but leave it at that. Let them handle this from start to finish.
Besides, how do you know the cost is unreasonable? If you are not an appraiser then you need to just let this go. That's what your insurance company is paid to do.

Feather

They will want to see just what his car looks like - they'll know.
And they will take pictures for future reference.

Kenneth S

first off...was there a police report documenting the accident and the amount of damage...this is very important..as some folks sadly will try to get more than what happened...

Secondly...some insurance companies don't penalize you in the case you are citing if it isn't over a certain amount.

third...if he is asking for more than the damages...in the event you have a police report...then you can file a fraud case.

Please tell me you did a police report....this will help you immensely.

And advice to anyone reading this...even if it is your fault...have the police make a report at the time and place of the accident if it can be done...this will save you time and money...even if it is your fault.

Rexy

At this point you've already told your insurance company, and no matter what your rates are going to increase even if they pay $0. There are some states that will charge more if the accident involves bodily injury, or medical bills the other driver suffered from an accident you caused, but your premium increase won't be based on what this claim is paid out. The other driver presumably took his car to a shop and has a valid estimate to be getting that amount paid and an insurance adjuster who has much more experience than you do at estimating costs also has to approve it. You can speak up, but it is only your opinion and I'm sure they know what they're doing more than you do. Your rates will go up no matter what, so it's probably not worth wasting your time.

Icecold321

Yes, your insurance bill will definatly go up. You have to call your insurance company, and tell them that you think that the other guy is trying to fraud you. Your insurance company can send some one to the mechanic and get their own estimate, if they wont do that, talk to the guy and ask him where his car is and then before your insurance company pays up, ask for the bill, and get some pics or better yet, get a mechanic with you and have him check the car to see if everything is correct..

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