Don't be an idiot

[camaroaarp]

Originally Posted by Scalded Dog

Last weekend, at an outdoor dinner party, an old lady backed into my parked car. 20 people watched it happen, 20 more saw her apologizing profusely as we exchanged insurance info. I was polite, even let her know I wasn't mad, wasn't upset... these things happen. She told me she would take care of it, blah, blah, blah.

Sorry, no pics... not that interesting, just some bent/ rippled/ creased plastic on my rear bumper... $800 worth.

The hosts of the party know her well... they said, "Oh, she's a really wonderful, honest person... she is a straight shooter, nothing to worry about... she will do the right thing... she's super sweet..."

So... I violated my OWN policy, and did not call the cops, gather witnesses, contact info for them, statements, or call in air strikes. I figured her insurance would cover it, we'd be golden. For the love of Pete, she's a dusty- haired old granny... didn't feel right to go full on offense in order to cover my bases.

However... as soon as the ol' bat got home, the story changed. Her insurance is denying my claim, because, not only did she NOT hit my car, but, even if she did, she did not see any damage anyhow.

So... looks like I'll eat this one.

Word to the wise... unless you want to pay for other peoples' mistakes, cover your bases... every single time. Honesty goes flying out the window on the drive home from any "clear cut" collision.

Sweet little old ladies used to be young pains in the ass. Don't trust anyone. EVER!

[600hp-lpe]

Screw the old bitch...

Find a witness that was at the party and pass the info to your ins. co. They will fight with the other ins. co on your behalf.

[1sicss]

how did her insurance co. think you got her info, if she didn't give it to you and why would she give you her info if she didn't do anything

[ryan's camaro]

Same thing happened to me in my Camaro.
An old lady back up into the rear of my car, creased and dented my bumper.

People these days.......

[otter]

Originally Posted by strych9

Here in Omaha, the cops won't come to a property damage accident unless an injury is involved. I take photos of the cars and damage as the incident happened, a photo of their driver's license, and a photo of their insurance card. Call my agent immediately to let him know what happened, then contact their agent to find out what they're going to do about it.

That is great advice.

It's the responsibilty of your insurance company to deal with the other parties insurance company. Keep calling your agent and stay on top of things.

Good luck.

[xtreme2s]

So why not call the police and see if they would send someone to file a report .....since you had so many witness' to prove she backed into you

[hightower]

Originally Posted by 10BlkSS

what a bitch

[cb2011rs]

Sounds like you are screwed . That really sucks . I have had things like this happen to me and it just burns me up . I would keep trying with the insurance company but I doubt they will pay . Perhaps down the road her car can have an unfortunate mishap because some brake fluid got on her paint . Perhaps a little payback is in order ....

[tonyko1]

ALWAYS call the cops and get a report and with names of any witnesses. A year ago someone rear-ended me the couple stated they didn't want to exchange addresses or anything. Must have had other advice, but then called the cops and said I hit them, and hit-and-run. That is a criminal misdemeanor, not an automobile infraction, but criminal. So it cost me $2000 in lawyer fees and agreed to a $100 fine for not admitting to anything, which is bizzare on its own, but in the end, I should have called the cops. Top it off, no damage to either car and no injuries.

$2,100 lesson learned, damn it.

[two_wheel_mayhem]

Just file a case against her in court, it's only like $75 and you will get it back when you win. Her case is weak, all you need is one unbiased witness and pics of the damage. Plus her story in court will probably be..."I think I hit his car, but I don't believe there was any damage.

Make sure you sue for the 25% per year that your insurance will go up too.

One she receives her summons, her insurance company will call you then, because she will call them bitchin'

You did the wrong thing, but it can be fixed.

[badcompany]

sux for you man, but most of the time the ins. company requires a police report regardless of what happened to be able to claim vehicle accident.

[Neuf Cruz]

What about the host who knows her so well and told you she's cool? Maybe he can tell her to "put out" (mind out of the gutter boys)

Sucks to be the trusting type these days!

[AdamZ]

ALWAYS call the police.

[CWI]

Make the claim on your insurance and tell them everything that happened including names and phone numbers of your witnesses. I gaurantee they will go to her insurance for rembursment and the claim will not go against you.

My car was hit in the rear almost a year ago when my GF was driving. The insurance companies initially said it was 60% my GF's fault so it was on my insurance. 3 months later I got a check in the mail from my insurance for half the deductible explaininig they had taken it to subbrogation and it was found to be 50/50 fault. The other driver had to pay half. That was with one witness, no pictures. You said you have several witnesses. My repairs were $3000 and my rate went down on renewal the next month after the claim.