Is it normal for my insurance not to have a claim opened almost three months after I had an at-fault accident?
Here’s what happened: The driver in front of me slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting a car that was stopped at a red light on a 45 mph road. I didn’t react quickly enough and ended up rear-ending them.
Knowing I would likely be considered at fault, I notified my insurance company about a potential claim and included the police report, which I figured would show up in my CLUE report regardless. When I followed up about 2.5 months later, I found out that no claim has been opened on my policy. The insurance representative I spoke with mentioned that they would typically expect a claim to have been initiated by this time. Although the other driver said she wasn’t injured at the scene, I know complications can arise later. I brought this up, and the rep confirmed that while bodily injury claims can take longer due to treatment, he still expected to see a claim started by now. Is this timeline typical for situations like this?
For additional context: I exchanged information with the other driver, who appears to be in her early 60s and likely well-off based on her address. We spoke on the phone the next day, and initially, she seemed confrontational, even mentioning her intention to contact a lawyer. However, I expressed my sincere apologies, believing fault would be clear-cut. Our conversation took a turn as we discovered a common cultural background. She even asked about my graduate studies and invited me to her place of worship, where she holds a leadership role.
I informed her that my car was totaled, which wasn’t surprising given that it was an old vehicle I purchased for $1,200 in college. She expressed sympathy, mentioned that her car was at a body shop, and assured me she would use her collision coverage to expedite repairs. We ended the call on friendly terms, and I haven’t heard anything since.
Is it typical for the other driver’s insurance to take almost three months to open a claim? Could she possibly be showing me leniency? I realize time will reveal more, but I would genuinely appreciate some informed opinions on this situation. I’m located in Pennsylvania, USA.
It’s understandable to feel a bit anxious about the timeline following an accident, especially when it involves another driver and the potential for claims. Based on your description, here are a few thoughts regarding the situation:
Claim Initiation Timeline: While it can vary, it is not extremely unusual for a claim to take a while to be initiated, especially if the other driver has not pursued it aggressively. If she isn’t experiencing any injuries and is using her collision coverage to repair her vehicle, she may simply be prioritizing that over pursuing damages against your insurance.
Bodily Injury Considerations: Since the other driver mentioned she’s not injured but is aware that injuries can manifest later, there might be a delay on her end as she determines if she will need medical attention. Some people choose to wait and see how they feel before deciding to involve their insurance.
Communication Dynamics: It sounds like she was initially combative but then seemed to soften during your conversation. It’s possible that, due to the connection you both share, she may be reconsidering the need to push for a claim aggressively. Some people do take pity on others in such situations, especially when they see you’re being cooperative and sincere about the accident.
Insurance Processes: Insurers are often flooded with claims, and processing them can take time—especially if they’re waiting to hear from the other party or if the other driver is uncertain about how to proceed.
Your Steps: You’ve done well by notifying your insurance and following up. Keeping documentation of your conversations and any correspondence is essential. If anything changes or you receive any notices from her insurance, responding promptly will help protect your interests.
In summary, while it’s not the most common timeline for a claim not to be opened within three months, it’s not unheard of, especially if the other driver is still assessing their situation. Staying patient and keeping the lines of communication open with your insurer is your best approach for now.