Has anyone experienced a situation like this? Almost three months after my at-fault accident, there’s been no claim opened against my insurance – is that typical?
Here’s what happened: The driver in front of me slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting a car stopped at a red light on a 45 mph road. I didn’t react in time and ended up rear-ending them.
Thinking that I would be deemed at fault, I notified my insurance about a potential claim and included the police report, as it would eventually appear on my CLUE report anyway. When I followed up about 2.5 months later, I was surprised to learn that no claim had been opened against my policy. The representative I spoke with mentioned it was unusual for there to be no initial claim at this stage. Although the other driver claimed she wasn’t injured at the scene, I’m aware that injuries can sometimes manifest later. When I raised this concern, the rep explained that while bodily injury cases can delay claim resolutions until treatment concludes, he still expected the claim to have been initiated by now.
For some additional context: I exchanged details with the other driver, who appears to be in her early 60s and comes from a seemingly affluent background based on her address. We talked on the phone the day after the accident, and initially, she was quite confrontational and mentioned considering legal action. I sincerely apologized for the accident, assuming fault would be clear, and expressed my willingness to cooperate with any necessary processes.
During our conversation, we found some common ground, as she immigrated from the same country as my parents and shares my religious background. As the conversation progressed, she became more sympathetic than I had anticipated. She even asked about my graduate studies and suggested I visit her place of worship since she holds a leadership position there. I mentioned that my car was totaled (it was an old beater I bought for $1,200 in college), and she expressed her condolences. She informed me that her vehicle was at a body shop and she plans to use her collision coverage for repairs. We ended our conversation on friendly terms, but I haven’t heard anything since.
So, is this delay in opening a claim what you would expect after an accident like mine? Could it really take almost three months for her insurance to start the process? Is there a chance she’s showing me some compassion? I know time will reveal more, but I’d appreciate any insights or educated guesses from those with experience in these matters. I’m located in Pennsylvania, USA.
It’s not uncommon for claims to take some time to develop, especially when there are factors like injuries or vehicle repairs involved. While it might seem unusual for almost three months to pass without a claim being opened, it’s possible that the other driver is still assessing her situation and determining whether or not she wants to proceed with a claim. As you mentioned, bodily injuries can sometimes take time to manifest, and many people prefer to wait until they have a better understanding of their medical condition before filing a claim.
In Pennsylvania, this timeline can also be influenced by the other driver’s insurance company policies and procedures, which may lead to slower claim initiation, especially if the other party is considering legal action. Additionally, if she has chosen to use her own collision coverage for repairs, that might delay the proceedings on her end as well.
Given the nature of your conversation, it’s possible the other driver is indeed taking her time to assess the situation and perhaps thinking about how she wants to proceed. It’s also worth keeping in mind that while you had a constructive conversation, her initial combative stance suggests she may still be seriously considering her options.
As for your own insurance, notifying them was a smart move, especially since the incident will appear on the CLUE report regardless. It’s a good idea to keep following up with them for updates. If there’s still no claim opened, you might want to document everything and stay proactive, given the uncertainty of the situation.
Ultimately, while it’s hard to predict exactly what will happen next, maintaining communication with your insurance and staying vigilant is wise. Keep all your records and conversations documented, as this could serve you well in the future if a claim is initiated.