What to Do After Someone Bumped My Car in the Parking Lot
Yesterday, a guy accidentally backed into my car while I was at work. Thankfully, he approached me afterward, admitted fault, and provided all his personal and insurance information. I’ve taken a few pictures of the damage and his license plate. The damage is minor, but since I drive a unique car (an Alfa Romeo Giulia), I’m unsure about the potential repair costs. He mentioned that his deductible is $500 and offered to cover that amount if the repair estimate comes in lower—an offer I appreciated, especially since he was upfront about the accident.
However, I’ve encountered some challenges finding a shop for an estimate (many are either fully booked or won’t work on my car). The shop I finally found warned me that repairs could easily exceed $500, especially if they need to investigate potential damage behind the bumper. I’m currently waiting on their visual estimate, which should come within a couple of days.
At this point, I’m debating whether I should involve insurance. I initially wanted to avoid that for his sake, given his honesty, but I also don’t want to be stuck with high repair costs.
If I do decide to get insurance involved, what are the next steps? Should I contact my insurance company and explain the situation along with his policy details? Or should I reach out to his insurer? Should I wait until I have the estimate in hand before making the call?
I’ve been lucky never to have to deal with insurance before, so I’m a bit lost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It’s great to hear that the driver took responsibility for the accident and was upfront with you. Given the circumstances, here are some steps to consider moving forward:
Wait for the Estimate: Since you’re waiting for the estimate from the repair shop, it’s a good idea to wait until you have that information. This will give you a clearer idea of the potential costs involved and whether they exceed the $500 deductible.
Assess the Estimate: Once you receive the estimate, evaluate the repair costs. If they are above $500, it may be in your best interest to involve insurance.
Contact Your Insurance Company: If the estimate is indeed higher than he’s willing to pay, reach out to your own insurance company first. Explain the situation, provide them with the details, and let them know that you have the other driver’s information. They may guide you on how to proceed.
Provide Information: Prepare to give your insurance company the other driver’s policy information, along with any details about the incident (photos, witness statements, etc.). They’ll likely ask for the estimate once you have it.
Involving the Other Driver’s Insurance: While your insurance will typically handle the claim, they may also reach out to the other driver’s insurance if necessary. Don’t worry too much about contacting his company directly; your insurance can manage that.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, estimates, and any repairs done. This will be helpful throughout the process.
Consult About Claims Process: Ask your insurance company about their claims process and what you’ll need to do moving forward. They will provide guidance on how to proceed based on the situation and your policy.
Overall, it sounds like you’re handling things well! Just keep communication open with both insurance companies, and they will help you navigate the next steps. Good luck!