A friend of mine recently got sideswiped. The woman responsible told him not to file a claim, as she’s planning to deal with her own insurance. Should he still file a claim? Some friends are advising him against it, saying it could increase his rates, and suggesting he let her insurance handle it instead.
Personally, I think he should file a claim right away. The longer he waits, the more unreliable he might appear, and it could become tougher to prove fault. If she files a claim without him, she’ll be the only one telling her side of the story.
What do you all think? Who’s correct in this situation?
You make a valid point about your friend filing a claim. It’s generally a good idea to file a claim right away, even if the other party is saying they will take care of it through their insurance. Here are a few reasons why:
Documentation: Filing a claim creates an official record of the incident, which can be crucial if there are any disputes later on.
Fault Determination: If your friend waits for the other party to handle it, they may risk losing the opportunity to present their side of the story or have their version of events recognized.
Time Limits: Insurance companies often have time limits for filing claims. Waiting too long could jeopardize your friend’s ability to receive compensation for damages.
Protecting Himself: If the lady’s insurance does not cover all of your friend’s damages or if she disputes fault later, having a claim on file can protect him.
While some friends may be concerned about rates going up, the initial filing of a claim does not necessarily mean that he will be at fault or that his premiums will increase, especially if the other driver is deemed to be at fault. It’s better for him to have his side officially documented just in case things don’t go as smoothly as expected with her insurance. Overall, it sounds like you’re on the right track with your advice!