My friend was involved in a sideswipe accident, and the woman responsible told him not to file a claim since she plans to go through her own insurance. Some of our friends think he shouldn’t file an official claim because it might raise his rates and that he should just let her insurance handle things.
I believe he should file a claim as soon as possible. Delaying could make him seem less credible, and establishing fault could become more challenging later. Plus, if she files first, her version of events could dominate the narrative.
What do you all think? Who’s got the better perspective on this?
You bring up some valid points. It’s definitely a good idea for your friend to file a claim with his own insurance. Here are a few reasons why:
Documentation: Filing a claim creates an official record of the incident. This can be important if there are disputes about who is at fault later on. The longer he waits, the harder it may be to reconstruct what happened.
Protection: If the other driver’s insurance ends up not covering the damage or if she doesn’t follow through, having his own claim filed can ensure he’s protected.
Influence on Rates: While it’s true that filing a claim can sometimes lead to higher premiums, it can also be beneficial in terms of getting the damage covered. Many insurance companies offer accident forgiveness for a first claim, so it might not impact his rates as much as his friends suggest.
Fault Determination: If the other driver decides to claim that your friend was at fault and he hasn’t reported the incident, he might have a harder time defending himself later.
Ultimately, it’s best for your friend to consult with his insurance company for guidance on how to proceed, as they can provide specific advice tailored to his situation. But in general, filing a claim promptly is a smart move.