First Insurance Claim...

[Brian2by2]

This is going to sound really bad, but this is going to be my first insurance claim and I don't know how to do it...grrrrr

Do I have to call my insurance agent and have her check the car out first or what am I supposed to do?

The damage to my car is apparently more than $3,000 (front bumper and my left headlight is creased from the force of the impact.)

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

Just call your insurance company and they will tell you what to do......have all the other parties info ready because they will ask you for it and a police report number also.

 

[Number9]

I didn't read the context on how the need for a claim arose, but you should consider the present value of the likely rate increase (if any) vs. the cost of the repair before you call in the claim, i.e., some claims aren't worth making...

 

[Brian2by2]

There is no police report # or any other partie's info. I swerved to avoid a car and the police officer said that it was my fault because he never contacted my car. He also told me to just drive off because otherwise he would have to write me up for a violation. So I left. I'm only 19...i'm very naive i guess when it comes to whole insurance thing.

There is probably close to 3,000 worth of damage apparently.

The lower bumper is going to have to be replaced, teh wheel well came disconnected, and for some reason, the LEFT side headlight is creased on the edges and way too close to the hood (to the point where it won't come up)...so does that mean that the frame could be messed up or is it just hte impact maybe? (the impact was on the RIGHT side of the car!!)

 

[Number9]

Wow, sounds like the law enforcement official was just trying to make your life harder and make his/her paperwork easier. Insurance and motor vehicle department laws/regs vary from state to state, so it might be worthwhile to speak with an insurance lawyer/litigator in your state to help optimize the solution. Keep in minde that there may be some time constraints involved on filing claims, so you should seek assistance promptly and report the incident within whatever window is applicable in connection with your policy. Sorry, I know this isn't particularly helpful, but I'm from CA and don't know squat about how insurance works in FL.

 

[Brian2by2]

Well, technically, I don't see how there could be a deadline as there is no documentation as to when the accident occured. I don't really want to get a lawyer involved. I had one small accident before when i was 16 and had no police documentation and it was handled and fixed. Same situation except now I'm taking care of it (before my parents helped). GRRRRR I'm going to get an estimate first and hope its under $3000...i can afford that out of my pocket.

 

[DocL]

This is one of the reasons why owning an exotic at an young age is a PITA. If you file a claim with your insurance company they are going to increase your rates because your damage is the result , in their eyes, "your negligence". It sucks, but that's the way the indusrty works.

Also, in Florida, you don't need a police report to file a claim. Just tell them what happened and they will take care of the rest. But it's a good idea to bring it to an bodyshop first to get an estimate. If it's going to be big $$$, then use the insurance, but be aware that they may double your premiun for up to three years because of the claim, your age, and the car that you drive.

-Good luck.

 

[Brian2by2]

My sister was recently in a bad accident in her car and also caused another accident and her insurance has only increased $10 a month...we've been with our State Farm insurance agent for over 30 years (my parents)...I am going to get an estimate and try and pay out of my pocket though!!

So far, here's what I think I need:

-Lower Bumper Valence
-new wheel well lining (not really but i guess so the car is "original")
-Left head lamp assembly (the lamp works, but the painted flat part that shows when its down is creased in the corners closest to teh windshield)