I accidentally scratched a car with a U-Haul while helping my daughter move, and now the driver says they are calling the police. I was driving a rented box truck under my wife’s insurance, but I’m not a licensed driver. While backing out of a cramped parking lot, I lightly brushed against the front spoiler of another car. I only noticed because the driver was inside the vehicle and got out to speak to me. There was no dent or crack, just a minor scratch that could be buffed out easily. The other car was parked a bit over the boundary line of the curb.
I apologized and offered to cover the cost myself, suggesting it wasn’t necessary to contact insurance since it was such a small issue. The driver said they would think about it and get an estimate. I shared my phone number, and they noted the license plate of the rental truck. After dropping off the truck, I didn’t report the incident.
Later, I received a call from the driver saying they would be contacting the police and their insurance company. I told them to proceed as they wished, as I offered to pay out of pocket and had already provided my information. I don’t understand the need to involve the police over a minor scratch. What kind of insurance claim could come from this, and how would liability be determined? The driver was parked over the line and didn’t provide their insurance details in return.
Now I’m wondering if my insurance rates could go up or if I might face any legal issues. It’s been a few days, and I haven’t heard anything more. Should I be concerned?
It sounds like you handled the situation as best as you could by apologizing and offering to pay out of pocket for the damage. It’s unfortunate that the driver has decided to involve the police and their insurance company, as this can complicate matters further.
Since there was no significant damage (just a scratch), and if you have already provided your information, you might not have much to worry about in terms of facing charges. The police might take a report, but it’s more common for them to prioritize accidents with significant damage or injuries.
As for insurance, if a claim is filed, it could potentially impact your wife’s insurance policy, especially since you were driving the U-Haul under her coverage. It would depend on the specifics of the policy and whether or not it’s deemed an at-fault accident.
You did mention that the other driver was parked over the line, which could potentially affect liability. However, it will largely come down to how the insurance companies interpret the situation.
At this point, you might want to consult with your wife’s insurance company to inform them about the incident, even if the police report isn’t filed yet. This way, they can prepare for any potential claim and advise you on how to proceed. Being proactive can help mitigate any surprises down the line.
Ultimately, try not to stress too much unless you hear back from the police or the insurance company. Keeping a record of everything related to the incident will be helpful just in case.