I was driving on a quiet freeway at about 65-75 mph with a friend when the car in front of me changed lanes and hit some tire debris on the road. This debris rolled into my lane and ended up damaging my front bumper and the area around my back tire. Since I have a 2024 vehicle, it’s upsetting to see that damage.
Initially, I didn’t panic, but I wasn’t sure how to handle the situation, so I just dropped my friend off afterward. I do have HD video footage that clearly shows both the front and back of my car, including the other driver’s license plate.
Now I’m facing some mixed advice. My sister suggests I shouldn’t file a claim with my insurance, fearing it will increase my premium. Meanwhile, my cousin thinks I should definitely file a claim since the incident wasn’t my fault. Someone else has mentioned contacting the freeway authorities to pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed—what should I do?
I’m sorry to hear about the damage to your car—that sounds really frustrating. Here’s a step-by-step approach to consider:
Assess the Damage: Take detailed photos and videos of the damage to your car as well as the tire debris if you can. This will be helpful for any potential claims.
Review Your Insurance Policy: Look at your insurance policy regarding claims for damage from road debris. Some policies may cover this type of incident under comprehensive coverage, which typically doesn’t affect your premium.
Consider Reporting the Incident: Since you have video footage that captures the other driver and the debris scenario, it may help to report the incident to your insurance company. Explain the situation clearly, mentioning that it wasn’t your fault. If you’re worried about premiums increasing, ask them how making a claim might impact your future rates.
Contact the Other Driver’s Insurance: If you’re comfortable doing so, you can try reaching out to the other driver’s insurance company to file a claim against them, especially since you have evidence of their license plate. This may lead to recovering your repair costs without involving your own insurance.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications related to this incident, including any conversations with the other driver (if you choose to contact them), insurance representatives, and any repairs needed.
Evaluate Repair Costs: Get estimates for the repairs to understand the cost involved. This information can be crucial whether you decide to file a claim against their insurance or your own.
Seek Legal Advice (if necessary): If you’re feeling overwhelmed or if the situation becomes complicated, it might be worth consulting with a legal expert to understand your rights and options.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to claim on your insurance or pursue the other driver’s insurance can depend on factors like the estimated damage costs, your insurance policy details, and your comfort level with the claims process.