QuestionHello, I have two incidents just last week. Really wasn't my day as an excellent driver. I'm giving you honest versions
of the stories.
Last week I was backing out of a parking space in the post office parking lot. I heard cars honking and stopped
backing. A second later an SUV backed into my passenger side behind the rear door. She had no damage on her SUV.
We exchanged information, after which she offered to pay me instead of going through insurance. However after I
brought her the estimate of $660 she decided to go through insurance. I reported to her insurance company, 21st
Century, with the witness information. They sent out an investigator to look at my damage, and I received an
estimate in the mail ($890). I called the adjuster, but he told me they wouldn't place their insured at fault, because
one of the witnesses said we were both backing out and hit each other, and the other said I hit her. My damage is on
the side, and I was stopped when the impact occurred. I don't think the witnesses have noticed that. I have not yet
contacted my insurance company, Auto Club of Southern California (AAA). By the way, the adjuster and the
investigator who looked at my car were two different people.
Later that week, I rear ended an SUV. It was at a very slow speed. There was no damage on my car, but her car had
some scratches and dents on the plastic paint, which I wasn't sure were already there before. I did not admit fault at
the scene. She asked for my driver license, address, phone number and registration, but not my insurance info. She
only gave me her phone number. There were no witnesses. Later her insurance company, incidentally also 21s
Century, called me and I denied it was my fault. So the person from 21st wanted me to call my insurance company,
and he will call me back if he doesn't hear from AAA in a few days.
Now in this situation, what should I do? It is so complicated and annoying that I just want it to go away. If I just don't
do anything, what will happen?
AnswerAs I am a volunteer on my own limited time, I can only give you the short answers here.
On the first claim, I feel that the other party likely at fault. You would have to be completely out of that space to be hit in the door. Notify both the other party and their insurer that you will be filing suit in small claims court for their estimate unless they pay you 100% of the damages. Then, follow up on this if they do not.
On the second claim, you cannot deny liability as you did rear end the other party. You need to report this to your own insurance company and let them handle it. That is what you pay insurance premiums for. If you fail to report this to them and cooperate with their investigation, they can legally decline to protect you. It's in the policy.
Good luck!
