My friend was involved in a sideswipe accident. The woman responsible told him not to file a claim since she plans to go through her own insurance. Some other friends are advising him against filing, saying it could raise his rates, and that he should just let her insurance handle it.
I believe he should file a claim right away. The longer he waits, the less credible he may appear, and it could be tougher to establish fault later on. Plus, if she files first, she will be the only one telling the story.
What do you think? Who’s giving better advice?
You’re definitely on the right track. It’s generally a good idea for your friend to file his own claim, regardless of what the other driver says. Here are a few reasons why:
Documentation: Filing a claim creates an official record of the incident, including his version of events. This can be crucial if there are disputes later on.
Potential Complications: If the other driver’s insurance doesn’t handle the claim properly or if they deny it, your friend could be left without coverage for damages. By filing his own claim, he ensures that he’s taking proactive steps in case the other driver’s insurance doesn’t cover everything.
Time Sensitivity: As you mentioned, the longer he waits, the harder it may be to gather evidence and establish fault. Insurance companies often prefer reports filed promptly.
Rates: While it’s true that filing a claim can sometimes impact his premiums, if he’s not at fault, many insurance companies offer accident forgiveness or won’t raise rates for not-at-fault accidents.
In conclusion, filing a claim is a wise decision for your friend to protect himself and ensure he has recourse for any damages. It’s better to be safe and have his own insurance involved.