Seeking advice on a recent minor car accident
I was involved in a minor car accident in California where both drivers attempted to merge into the same lane, resulting in a scratch on the other person’s car and minimal damage to my vehicle. The scratch on my car was so minor that it was difficult to find, while the other car had a noticeable dent and a scratch on the door. After the accident, I checked to make sure he and his family were okay, exchanged contact and insurance information, and we agreed to try and settle the matter without involving insurance. I let him know that the damage to my car was negligible and asked him to provide a quote for the repairs on his vehicle.
However, two days have passed, and he hasn’t responded to my messages. I also discovered that the insurance information he provided was expired and not in his name. I informed my insurance company, GEICO, about the accident, and they told me that since we were leaning towards an out-of-pocket settlement, there’s no need to file a claim yet, but I should keep them updated if I change my mind.
Here are my questions:
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Should I do anything else while I wait for him to send a quote? If he gives me a quote that’s too high, is it best to simply file a claim with my insurance?
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What if the other driver doesn’t respond? Should I just wait it out?
This is my first accident in 12 years of driving, and I want to ensure I’m handling everything correctly and protecting myself, which is why I have insurance, right?
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, especially since it’s your first accident in a long time. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
Waiting for the Quote: It’s reasonable to wait for the other driver to send you the quote, especially since you initially agreed to settle out of pocket. If he sends you a quote that seems too high or if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of the quote, reaching out to your insurance company to discuss filing a claim could be the right move. They can help guide you on the next steps and may assist in negotiating with the other party since you’ve already reported it to them.
If He’s MIA: If he’s not responding, you have a couple of options. It might be best to follow up once more and give him a reasonable amount of time to get back to you. If you still don’t hear back, you could consider filing a claim with your insurance, especially since you mentioned that the information he provided was expired and not in his name, which raises a red flag. Your insurance company may be able to investigate this situation further.
Additionally, keep in mind that if you decide to file a claim, it’s good to have documented everything, including the accident details, your communications with him, and a record of the incident for your own protection.
Remember, you’ve got insurance for a reason, and it’s better to have them involved if you’re feeling unsure about how to handle the situation. Good luck!