by chargerfan.go » Thu Apr 01, 2010 07:49 pm
A 16 year old kid rearended me at red light. Just had his license for 2 weeks. Very nice kid. Parents want to pay out of pocket for repair and car rental. Should I do it or file a claim? No injury. No damage to his car. My bumper has a rip in it. His rates will go up. I feel like being nice, but want to make surre I am not shooting myself in the foot.
We are in California. Thanks!
We are in California. Thanks!
Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 07:40 pm Post Subject:
You should not file a claim if your goal is to be a good guy and not penalize the kid (his parents). They are trying to keep their rates down and who can blame them? As long as they are willing to make you whole again and you are not injured or don't have other damage etc. You are doing him a favor and its OK to do this. Additionally even a not at fault accident can be held against you by your own insurance company.
Once its reported to any insurance company they will raise everyones rates if they can justify it. I california where they do not allow Insurance companies to use credit scoring in their premium determinations they rely more on this like not at fault accidents to get rates up.
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:24 am Post Subject:
I think it's perfectly fine to let the other party pay for your damages, but if I were you, I would at least file a police report so that the event is on record. That way, if something goes south with the at-fault party, you will have a record of the event as well as their insurance information. Either have them go with when you file the report or inform them up front so they will expect a phone call or visit by the police. This would protect you from "shooting" yourself in the foot.
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