Feeling confused about the next steps
My wife recently felt uneasy while at a shopping mall and, in her distraction, accidentally scraped the lower part of the rear passenger door of another vehicle while backing out. We exchanged insurance information, and the other party mentioned they would contact us with their repair plans later. However, today at around 3 PM, they filed a claim with State Farm for damage to our vehicle. Now, State Farm is asking us to choose a location to have our car inspected, which we hadn’t intended to do.
We’re uncertain about what to do next. Should I reach out to our insurance company and inform them that we didn’t file a claim for our car? Should I bring up the minor incident we had?
I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a confusing situation. Here’s what you can do:
Contact Your Insurance Company: It’s important to be transparent with your insurance provider. Call State Farm and explain the situation. Let them know that you did not file a claim for your vehicle, and clarify that the damage was minor and occurred when your wife accidentally scraped their car.
Provide Documentation: If possible, gather any evidence related to the incident, such as photos of the damage or witness statements. This information may be helpful to both parties involved.
Inform the Other Party: If you feel comfortable, reach out to the other party and communicate that you didn’t intend to file a claim for your vehicle. You can express your willingness to resolve the matter directly if they are open to it.
Discuss Options: Ask State Farm about the process moving forward. They can provide guidance on whether you should proceed with a claim or if there’s a way to handle the situation without it affecting your insurance.
Consider Out-of-Pocket Payment: If both parties are agreeable, it may be possible to settle the issue privately and pay for any repairs out of pocket, which can sometimes be simpler than going through insurance.
Remember to keep a record of all communications regarding the incident. Good luck, and I hope you’re able to resolve the situation quickly!