Q&A for How to Deal With a Minor Car Accident

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If I was involved in a very minor car accident in a parking lot and it was my fault, should I file through my insurance or try to settle with the other person involved?

Community Answer

This depends on the severity of the damage. If you have an excess or deductible that you would need to pay in order to claim, this may be higher than the actual cost to repair the damage, and you might want to pay for the repairs from your own pocket. However, it would be beneficial to notify your insurer of your accident (even if you don't claim), as you may be required to do so under your Duty of Disclosure.

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Question

What if a person hit me and damaged my car, but drove off quickly before I could see the license plate?

Community Answer

Remember what you can about the other vehicle. Make/model/color anything that stands out, like holes in the bumper, cracks, stickers/decals, paint defects, direction of travel and name of the road they are traveling on. Call law enforcement immediately and give them the information and do what you can to answer any other questions they may have. Inform your insurance carrier after you contact law enforcement.

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Question

My garden wall was damaged by a van and I have the registration number and a witness. How do I proceed?

Community Answer

Take the witness's information and the registration to the police and file a report. Then contact your insurance agency and provide them with the police report.

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What should I do if my car was hit on the highway, and the driver refused to give me any information?

Community Answer

You should take a picture, memorize the color and type of car and report the driver to your local police department.

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Question

My car was hit while parked, and I don't have the person's insurance information or driver's license, but I have a name, number and license plate. He thinks there is no damage to the car, but I have pictures of the damage and an estimate. What do I do next? Should I notify the police?

Community Answer

Contact the police immediately.

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Question

A truck hit my car in Arizona. I really think that the truck is at fault, but the officer didn't issue a citation for the truck. The damage to my car is at least $1,000, but the other party's insurance seems to be dumping me. What should I do?

Community Answer

As long as you called the Police right there on the spot and the Police are present at the scene, you are safe. Just keep contacting the other party's insurance and gather a police report if you can.

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Question

Do I have to call the police if there was an accident but there was no damage to anything?

Community Answer

If it is your own vehicle you do not have to call the police if no damages are involved.

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Question

Who's responsible when a car gets rear-ended?

Community Answer

If you slammed on the brakes, it's your fault. If the other driver was speeding or inattentive and rear-ended you, it's the other driver's fault. If it's due to natural conditions such as rain or ice, it may be nobody's fault.

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Question

What if it's a minor accident and the other driver insists they don't have time to exchange information?

Community Answer

Try to insist and take the other driver's information. If they still won't, you should try and memorize the license plate, make, model and color of their car. Consider calling to police if the driver tries to flee.

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Question

What if I'm involved in a car accident but I don't have insurance?

Community Answer

It's especially important to get the police involved in this situation. If the other driver is at fault, the police report might allow the other party's insurance to cover your damages. If you're at fault, you'll need the police report to be protected from legal action.

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Question

I accidentally grazed a car parked on the road and told the owner I would pay for repairs. How many quotes am I allowed to ask for to ensure a fair deal?

Community Answer

Two or three should be sufficient. Making sure that the estimates are from reputable shops (and not the other driver's brother-in-law) would be important. Also, being provided with additional information regarding work that is not satisfactory, should be included.

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Question

Who is entitled to claim for injury if I rear-end someone?

Community Answer

This entirely depends on your jurisdiction and your insurance policy. Check with your insurer.

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Question

What do I do if I was in a minor car accident and the insurance company is refusing my claim?

AbigailAbernathy

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They may be refusing your claim because they deemed that the cost of repair is beneath your deductible, so there's no reason for them to pay for it. Appeal, ask for a supervisor.

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