Seeking advice on a recent auto accident experience
I was involved in a minor auto accident in California where both vehicles attempted to merge into the same lane, resulting in a small scratch on the other driver’s car and barely any noticeable damage on mine. The damage on my vehicle was so minimal that I struggled to identify it, while the other car had a more evident dent and scratch on the door. After the incident, I checked in on the other driver and exchanged contact and insurance information, with the intention of settling the matter privately. Since the damage to my car was negligible, I asked him to send me a repair quote for his vehicle.
However, it’s been two days, and he hasn’t responded to my messages. I also discovered that the insurance information he provided was expired and not under his name, which is concerning. I have notified my own insurance, GEICO, about the incident, but the representative advised me that since we are considering an out-of-pocket settlement, I don’t need to file a claim at this time. Given the minor damage, I’m not planning to have any work done on my car, although I want to address the damage to his vehicle.
I have a couple of questions:
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Should I simply wait for him to send the quote, or is there anything else I should do in the meantime? If the quote is higher than expected, is it best to file a claim with my insurance?
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If he continues to be unresponsive, should I take no action?
This is my first accident in 12 years of driving, and I want to ensure I’m handling everything correctly and protecting myself as much as possible. After all, that’s why I have insurance, right?
It’s understandable to feel unsure about how to proceed after your first accident, especially with the complexities you’ve encountered. Here are some suggestions based on your situation:
Waiting for the Quote: It’s reasonable to wait a bit longer for him to provide you with the quote, as it hasn’t been long since the accident. If he does eventually send a price that seems too high, yes, you can certainly file a claim with your insurance. They can help assess the situation and negotiate on your behalf if needed. Just remember that in California, there are laws regarding liability and damages, so having your insurance involved can protect you in case things escalate.
If He Goes MIA: If he does not respond to you after a reasonable period (let’s say a week or so), you can consider reaching out again, but you should also document your attempts to communicate. If there’s still no response, you might weigh your options. Since you already mentioned that the insurance information he provided was expired and not in his name, you should be cautious about proceeding further with him directly. At this point, you could inform your insurance of the situation and let them handle it moving forward. They may advise you on how to proceed, especially if you suspect that he may not have valid insurance coverage.
Overall, keeping good records of your communication and any damages is key. It sounds like you’re being responsible by informing your insurance and thinking through your options. Remember that having insurance is a safety net for situations like this, so don’t hesitate to lean on them for guidance. Good luck!