Walk me through my first (very small) accident

nkotselas · nkotselas's Garage

Hi everyone,

Toady while leaving the school parking lot, I was behind a woman in a green Mitsubishi. She was stopped, waiting for a spot to open up. I seemed like she needed more space, began to back up, and nudged me. I started to honk as soon as I could but she kept going. I couldn't get into reverse in time either.

We exchanged information, just in case. All I can see is a tiny paint chip on my front bumper. By the looks of her real bumper it looked like this happens all the time

. I was thinking about just letting it slide but I will end up fixing it, and last time I fixed a couple chips like this it cost about 100 dollars, mostly because they have to paint a good amount and blend it in. I don't want to pay for something that wasn't my fault.

Also, I said sorry once we got out, because I could not get into gear fast enough. Was that bad on my part? Its usually just my personality to be more apologetic and see if everything is ok. I can upload a picture later.

Again, sorry for my inexperience, just looking for some good advice! Do I go through her insurance first or just talk to her about it? etc etc etc.

Thanks!

Baz · Baz's Garage

Something that small I would probably just ask her if she wants to pay cash and keep the bureaucracy down to a mild roar. If you think $100.00 is fair to you then that's what I would ask. If she refuses then you contact YOUR insurance company and let THEM walk you through it.

McLovin · 10-10-2011, 12:14 PM

For a $100 repair, most people would not want to get their insurance involved.

So, if you don't want to let it go, and if you are sure of the amt of the repair, I'd call her up and ask her for her insurance information, and also tell her you got an estimate for $100 and ask her if she would rather just pay the $100 and not get her insurance involved.

McLovin · 10-10-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

Something that small I would probably just ask her if she wants to pay cash and keep the bureaucracy down to a mild roar. If you think $100.00 is fair to you then that's what I would ask. If she refuses then you contact YOUR insurance company and let THEM walk you through it.

I think insurance laws and policies vary from state to state, but for a $100 repair, I would not want to contact my own insurance company to let them know I was in an accident. Regardless of who was at fault.

Plus, most people have at least a $100 deductible, so your own insurance company won't end up paying anything anyways.

dentist90 · dentist90's Garage

The most important thing you can do in any accident is get a witness, an independant one if possible (pedestrian for example), Photos with your cell phone before the cars are moved is next.
The reason for this has nothing to do with the damage to your car, but theirs (or some feigned injury). Unfortunately I have seen way too many fender benders go against the innocent party because the story changes when they talk to their insurer. All of a sudden it was not her backing into you, but you rear-ending her. If it's your word against hers you may end up paying for her damage.
Sad, but you really have to protect yourself first in any accident. Not many people want to fess up to their responsibility if they don't have to and it is financially beneficial not to do so.

nkotselas · nkotselas's Garage

I did get all her information, but not a witness. I did take a picture but about 10 minutes after I had left. If it isn't your fault doesn't it not affect your insurance at all?

To be honest, I was always scared she would try to blame me like dentist90 said. Thats the biggest factor for me letting it slide, but I still did nothing wrong. Problem is that the paint is about 6 months old, if there were other scruffs and chips I wouldn't care but it is fresh.

krystar · 10-10-2011, 02:35 PM

you should have taken cell phone pix of :
1) their driver license, insurance card
2) area of impact on your car and area of impact on their car
3) surroundings. just do a quick 360 stitch shot. especially of any stop signs, red lights, skid marks, etc etc.

right now, she COULD say that she was backing out and you were speeding and hit her. but if she's nice, she'll have your bumper just detailed up. ask for $100. when she accepts, make sure u print out a letter for her to sign saying she's paying for damages to your car that she caused. otherwise she could at a later time hit you with an insurance claim pretending like she never agreed to anything.