Steps to Take After Someone Bumped My Car in the Parking Lot
Yesterday at work, a guy accidentally backed into my car. Fortunately, he came looking for me, took responsibility, and provided all his personal and insurance details. I also managed to snap a few photos of the damage and his license plate.
The damage is pretty minor, but since I drive a unique car (an Alfa Romeo Giulia), I’m unsure how much the repairs might cost. He mentioned that his deductible is $500, and he’s willing to cover that amount directly if the repair estimate is lower, which I appreciated given his honesty.
However, after finding a shop to assess the situation—which turned out to be harder than I anticipated due to availability and their reluctance to work on my car—I’ve been informed that the repair costs might exceed $500. This could be due to potential hidden damage behind the bumper or even just the cost of removing it for inspection. I should have a visual estimate in the next couple of days.
Now I’m weighing whether to involve insurance. Initially, I wanted to avoid that for his sake since he was upfront, but I realize I shouldn’t shy away from it if the repair costs escalate.
If I do decide to get insurance involved, what are the proper steps? Should I call my own insurance company first to report the incident and provide them with his policy information? Or should I reach out to his insurance directly? Should I wait until I have the repair estimate before making any calls?
I’ve been lucky enough to avoid dealing with insurance up until now, so I’m a bit lost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It’s great to hear that the guy involved in the incident was honest and approached you right away. Given the circumstances, here are some steps to consider regarding your situation:
Wait for the Estimate: Before deciding to involve insurance, wait until you receive the estimate from the repair shop. This will give you a clearer picture of the potential costs involved and whether they exceed his deductible.
Assess the Damage: If the estimate comes back under $500 and you’re comfortable with the cash settlement, you can proceed with that. Just make sure to document everything – take photos and keep a record of any communication you have with the other driver.
Involve Insurance If Necessary: If the repair estimate exceeds $500, or if you’re uncertain about the extent of the damage, it might be wise to involve insurance. This not only protects you but also ensures that any potential underlying issues are covered.
Contact Your Insurance: If you decide to involve insurance, contact your own insurance company first. Explain the situation, provide all relevant details, and share the other driver’s insurance information. They will guide you on the next steps.
Claim Process: Your insurance may handle the claim directly with the other driver’s insurance, especially if the damages are significant. Be prepared to provide them with the estimate, photos of the damage, and any other documentation you have.
Avoiding Complications: Remember that if you choose to go through insurance, it can sometimes lead to complications, but it’s often the safest route if costs are high or damage is uncertain.
Ultimately, trust your instincts on whether to settle privately or get insurance involved, but protecting yourself financially is important, especially with unique cars like an Alfa Romeo. Good luck!