Seeking Guidance After a Rear-End Collision
My wife was rear-ended last week, and since then, we’ve been navigating communication with the police and insurance companies on a daily basis. Here are the key details:
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The incident occurred in Massachusetts.
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She was at a complete stop when the collision happened.
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The responding officer informed her that exchanging insurance information was unnecessary, as this would be documented in the accident report.
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Our insurance company advised us to obtain the police report and file a claim with the other driver’s insurer.
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It took 9 days to receive the accident report, which lists the involved insurance companies but does not include policy numbers.
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It seems that both drivers are insured by the same companies, but there are slight discrepancies in the report, leaving us uncertain.
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When we reached out to our insurance company for help, they stated they need the other driver’s policy number to proceed and suggested we obtain it from the police.
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However, the police department informed us that they do not provide that information, and we feel like we’re getting the runaround.
Questions:
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Is it essential for us to obtain the other driver’s policy number?
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If not, how can our insurance company move forward without it?
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Would it be more beneficial to deal with the other driver’s insurance directly rather than our own? (The report’s ambiguity regarding the insurers complicates this.)
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Can we go ahead with repairing my wife’s vehicle without filing a claim first, or do we need to resolve the claim situation before proceeding with repairs?
Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about the situation your wife is facing. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
Do we need the other driver’s policy #?
While having the other driver’s policy number can simplify the claims process, it’s not always strictly necessary. Your insurance company may be able to proceed with a claim against the other driver if they can verify their insurance coverage through the information provided in the police report. Make sure to clearly communicate the difficulties you’ve encountered in obtaining the policy number.
If not, how does our insurance company proceed?
If your insurance company is able to identify the other driver’s insurer using the information on the police report, they may still be able to file a claim without the policy number. They can reach out to the insurer directly and explain the situation. Be persistent in following up with your insurer to ensure they are taking the necessary steps.
Is it better to deal with the other driver’s insurance rather than ours?
If both insurance companies are the same, it may not make a significant difference. However, if your insurance company assesses that the other driver is at fault, dealing with their insurer might streamline the process of recovering costs, especially since it might allow you to avoid your own deductible. It’s generally best to discuss options with your insurance adjuster to see what they recommend.
Can we go forward with repairing her vehicle without filing a claim?
Yes, you can repair the vehicle without formally filing a claim, but you risk bearing the repair costs initially. If you decide to go this route, keep all receipts and documentation of the repairs, as your insurance company may need this information should you pursue reimbursement later. Just remember that if you do file a claim afterward, the repair process could influence your ability to recoup costs.
Overall, keep detailed records of all communications with the police and insurance companies. If you continue to face roadblocks, you might also consider consulting a lawyer experienced in auto accidents and insurance claims for further guidance. Good luck, and I hope your wife’s vehicle is repaired quickly!