Is this a case of potential auto insurance fraud?
Hello everyone,
I had a surprising encounter today. A young immigrant mother driving a relatively new Toyota Camry accidentally backed into the left rear corner of my parked truck while I was sitting inside.
She claimed she didn’t speak English, but since I know a bit of Spanish, I was able to communicate with her. I was really caught off guard by the whole situation. We didn’t exchange contact information, but I managed to get her license plate number. I’m not sure if she took down my information or snapped any photos, as I wasn’t keeping an eye on her the entire time. All she kept saying was, “I’m sorry.”
I recorded a video of my truck and the surrounding area for context, but only after she left the scene. After the collision, she moved her car to a parking spot, so I didn’t get the chance to take pictures right away.
When I approached her car, she showed me a scratch on the front left bumper, which I find puzzling. If I recall correctly, her car was perpendicular to mine at the time of the incident, so it doesn’t add up that her left side would have damage unless she tried to park to my left and then turned around. In fact, I have a suspicion that she might have hit my truck twice—perhaps attempting to create more damage?
Once she drove away, I began to wonder if she had intentionally targeted my truck in an attempt to claim that I was the one who hit her car. If she usually parks in that spot, it wouldn’t make sense for me to back into the front of her car. Of course, she could still fabricate a story.
A friend of mine previously had a minor fender bender where they didn’t exchange information because there was no visible damage, yet the other party used the license plate number to file a claim.
I can’t help but think that perhaps my truck, with its metal bumper and somewhat worn appearance, makes it look less “upscale,” which could be an incentive for someone to take advantage of the situation. What do you all think?
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, and it’s understandable to be suspicious given what you’ve described. Based on your account, there are a few red flags that could suggest potential insurance fraud:
No Information Exchange: It’s concerning that you didn’t exchange any information, especially since she left the scene after the incident. This can make it easier for someone to fabricate a story later.
Damage on a Different Side: The inconsistency in the damage to her car raises questions. If her front left bumper is damaged but you believe she hit you more directly, that does seem suspicious.
Change of Position: The fact that she moved her car to a different parking spot might also be an indication that she was trying to create a narrative that benefits her claim.
Language Barrier: Sometimes, individuals who may not feel comfortable communicating in English attempt to exploit the situation, expecting that it might lead to confusion or a lack of follow-up.
Past Experiences: Your mention of a friend’s similar experience adds to the context that these situations can happen, and it’s wise to be cautious.
If you have the plate number, it might be a good idea to document everything and consider reporting the incident to your insurance as well. They can advise you on how to protect yourself in case she tries to file a claim against you. Additionally, keep the video footage and any other evidence you gathered, as that could be useful down the line. It might not hurt to consult with an insurance agent or a legal professional to understand your options better.