Should we cover the costs ourselves even though we have insurance?
Yesterday, my fiancé and I were leaving Walmart in a hurry with our toddler, who was being fussy and ready for bed. While returning the shopping cart, it got away from us and accidentally hit a nearby car. We apologized sincerely and provided our insurance information. The car owner was understandably upset, took our details, and left.
Today, we received a message from them saying:
“I don’t want my insurance to cover it because it’ll raise my rates, and I doubt your insurance will cover this either. Would you prefer I get an estimate and you handle the payment directly?”
Should we go down that path? I believe insurance is meant to cover situations like this, but I also don’t want to come off as inconsiderate. Any advice would be appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation. While it’s understandable that the other party is concerned about their insurance rates, the purpose of carrying insurance is to help handle incidents like this. Here are a few points to consider:
Insurance Responsibility: As you said, insurance is designed to cover incidents like this. If you provided your insurance information, the other party should ideally file a claim through their own insurance, especially if their car was damaged.
Estimate for Damage: If the other person insists on you paying out of pocket, you could ask them to obtain an estimate for the damage. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of the cost involved if you decide to go that route. However, be cautious about agreeing to pay anything upfront without proper documentation.
Communication: It might be helpful to speak directly with your insurance company about the situation. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and whether it’s worth pursuing a claim.
Consider Future Implications: If you choose to pay out of pocket, ensure you keep records of the payment and any communications. This could protect you in case any other issues arise later.
Politeness and Clarity: You can approach the other party with empathy, acknowledging their concerns while also emphasizing that insurance is intended to handle such claims. This might create a more cooperative dialogue.
Ultimately, it’s essential to do what feels right for you, considering both the financial aspects and your desire to maintain goodwill. If you’re unsure, consulting with your insurance agent could provide clarity on the implications of handling it yourself versus going through insurance.