Seeking Advice on a Minor Auto Accident
I’ve recently been involved in a minor car accident in California and could use some guidance on how to proceed. Here’s a quick rundown of what happened:
Both drivers attempted to merge into the same lane and, unfortunately, we didn’t react in time, resulting in a scratch on the other person’s car near the door. My car sustained barely any damage, making it tough to even spot the scratch. The other vehicle, however, had a more noticeable dent and scratch.
After the incident, we both got out of our cars. I checked if he and his family were okay, we exchanged information (including insurance details), and we discussed the possibility of settling the matter out of pocket. Since my car was hardly damaged, I asked him to send me a quote for the repairs needed on his vehicle.
Now, here’s where things have gotten a bit complicated: it’s been two days, and he hasn’t responded to my texts. Additionally, I realized that the insurance information he provided is not only expired but also not in his name! I’ve reported the minor accident to my insurance (GEICO), and they mentioned that I don’t need to file a claim if we’re still hoping to resolve this privately.
Given this situation, I have a couple of questions:
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Should I do anything besides waiting for him to send me the repair quote? If he gives me a quote that’s too high, should I just file a claim with my insurance then?
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What should I do if he remains unresponsive? Should I simply wait it out?
This is my first accident after 12 years of driving, and I want to ensure I handle it correctly. I’m paying for insurance for a reason, after all! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
It’s great that you’re being proactive and looking for advice after your accident. Here’s how you can navigate this situation:
Waiting for the Quote: If he’s not getting back to you, you might want to give it a few more days. However, if the silence continues and you’re worried about the potential for escalating costs, it’s reasonable to follow up again. If he eventually sends you a quote that seems excessive or he tries to take advantage of the situation, you can definitely file a claim with your insurance. Since you informed GEICO about the accident, you’re already taking a good step—just make sure to document all communications, including your attempts to reach out to him.
If He’s MIA: If you don’t hear from him after multiple attempts, you can consider moving forward. It might be wise to give him a week or so to respond, but if he doesn’t, you could proceed to inform your insurance of that fact. They can provide guidance on how to protect yourself under the circumstances.
You mentioned that he provided expired insurance details and that it wasn’t his name — this could complicate things. If you feel uneasy about proceeding with private settlements given these circumstances, filing a claim with your insurance might be the best option. They can help investigate further into his information and provide you with more security.
In case you do file a claim later, just remember that your insurance company will handle communication with the other party’s insurance if needed. And yes, you’re right—insurance is there to protect you, so don’t hesitate to lean on them if you feel uncertain.
Lastly, always keep a record of everything: photos of the vehicles, notes from your conversation, text messages, etc. Documentation is essential in these situations. Good luck, and drive safely!