Insurance question

On my way home from work yesterday I was lightly rear ended by some tailgating kid, who promptly evaded the scene of the accident.

I was able to follow briefly and get his plate number, and contacted state police.  They came and met with me, and then headed off to do whatever they do with geniuses like this.

I’m fine, there’s no appreciable damage to my car beyond a hard to see scuff on the bumper (the kid’s car was nearly the same color as mine, weirdly) and the my car is due for a clay bar and buff anyway.

Do I bother reporting this to insurance, or taking this any further?  I don’t really feel any need to, but also don’t want to get screwed somehow by not doing it.  I hear rumors that your insurance rates can go up even if you're not at fault, though.

Thoughts?

I'd make sure there isn't any damage to your car behind the rear cover.  Rear impacts are notoriously good at hiding damage.  If you're all good there, then just get a copy of the police report and if you decide not to file the claim, no harm no foul.

In my experience, the agent writing the policy is more important than the insurance co. It helps if your agent handles several companys. I know I can ask his advice and he will give me an honest answer. Of course, it helps that I’ve been with him for 30+ years and thrown a lot of business his way..

What I have done in similar instances is call my agents, tell them the incident occurred, but NOT to file a claim about it until I give notice to proceed.  That way it's on the record but doesn't go any further than required.

If you report it,  it will be another accident reported in your area, which may affect the rate you're paying down the road.

Duke said:

What I have done in similar instances is call my agents, tell them the incident occurred, but NOT to file a claim about it until I give notice to proceed.  That way it's on the record but doesn't go any further than required.

This since you have already reported it to the police.

FYI, while there definitely are exceptions, agents generally know very little about how claims actually work.  Their job is to sell policies and be a liaison as needed, they don't fully understand how claim handling goes.

If you report a claim to your agent and they don't tell the carrier, they are risking an errors and omissions (E&O) claim against themselves.  Not saying it doesn't happen, because it does...but don't be surprised if they do report it. 

L5wolvesf said:

Duke said:

What I have done in similar instances is call my agents, tell them the incident occurred, but NOT to file a claim about it until I give notice to proceed.  That way it's on the record but doesn't go any further than required.

This since you have already reported it to the police.

I checked in with a retired relative who worked in insurance for years, she suggested I do the same.  So, this is what I decided to do.

My agent said they will make a note on their end in case anything comes up in the future (surprise neck pain 2 days from now, etc.), but nothing will be reported to the insurance co. unless I call back and ask them to do so.

Klayfish said:

I'd make sure there isn't any damage to your car behind the rear cover.  Rear impacts are notoriously good at hiding damage.  If you're all good there, then just get a copy of the police report and if you decide not to file the claim, no harm no foul.

Definitely no further damage that I can see.  Everything still looks good as far as panel gaps, hatch opens and closes fine, etc. 

I’m honestly surprised how well it took the bump, as escort bumpers tend to literally explode with little provocation.  I cracked the front bumper on my GT from hitting cones at autocross…

Klayfish said:

FYI, while there definitely are exceptions, agents generally know very little about how claims actually work.  Their job is to sell policies and be a liaison as needed, they don't fully understand how claim handling goes.

If you report a claim to your agent and they don't tell the carrier, they are risking an errors and omissions (E&O) claim against themselves.  Not saying it doesn't happen, because it does...but don't be surprised if they do report it. 

This. I know when I worked for State Farm, the insured or the Agent couldn't call and ask about coverage questions. Because it's a legally binding answer according to the policy.

So if you want the claims department to give you a "Yes/No" answer. You have to file the claim to find out and possibly find out it isn't covered.

I think the agents should know the policy and process well enough to give you that answer, but in reality, the are trying to sell as much insurance and financial policies as possible.

the evader should be cock-punched, so in your shoes i would definitely report it and go through the adjustment process.

AngryCorvair said:

the evader should be cock-punched, so in your shoes i would definitely report it and go through the adjustment process.

Agree 100% that he deserves some retribution, my worry is that my car’s value is so low that it could get totaled for basically nothing.

Odds the guy has insurance are pretty low.  You would probably have to use your insurance anyway and then, yes, your rates can go up.