Should I contact my own insurance after an auto accident where I wasn’t at fault?
Recently, someone backed into my car in a parking lot, causing damage to the front. We exchanged information, and initially, they considered settling the matter without involving insurance. I was amenable to this and reached out to several repair shops for estimates, but most advised that a thorough diagnostic would be necessary due to the various sensors and components in that area. Only one shop provided a preliminary estimate after inspecting the damage.
Ultimately, we decided to involve insurance. The other party’s insurance accepted full liability and sent someone to visually assess the damage. Unfortunately, their estimate was significantly lower than the one I received from the repair shop. They informed me that I would need to find a repair shop willing to accept their rate, and if any additional damage was found, the shop would negotiate further costs with the insurance.
Throughout this experience, I’ve felt that the other person’s insurance is treating me as if I’m trying to pull a fast one. When I inquired about what to do if the shop refuses to repair my car due to the low estimate, they told me I would have to cover any difference out of pocket.
Now I’m considering whether it would be a good idea to reach out to my own insurance company to report the incident. Would they handle the interaction with the other person’s insurance on my behalf?
Thank you for your advice!
It definitely makes sense to reach out to your own insurance company, even if you are not at fault. Here are a few reasons why this could be a good idea:
Expert Assistance: Your insurance company can provide guidance and support throughout the claims process. They are experienced in dealing with claims and can help you navigate any complexities.
Subrogation: If you report the incident to your insurance, they may handle the claim directly with the other driver’s insurance company (this is called subrogation), which can take a lot of pressure off you. They will pursue reimbursement for the damages on your behalf.
Additional Coverage: If the other party’s insurance is not covering the full extent of your damages or if there are challenges in getting your car repaired, your insurance might be able to provide additional coverage, depending on your policy.
Documentation: Reporting the incident to your insurance creates a paper trail that may be useful if there are future disputes or complications related to the claim.
Stress Reduction: Dealing with insurance can be stressful, and having your own insurance company handle communication with the other party can reduce that stress.
Make sure to provide them with all the details and documentation you’ve gathered so far. Good luck!