Fab5Hill33
Junior Member
What is the name of your stWhat is the name of your state? Michigan
I was waiting behind a car for gas at a gas station. Decided it was taking too long and that I would go find another gas station. I decided to back up and exit the premise. I put the car in reverse and dinged a guy who was also waiting in line about one foot behind me. I did not accelerate and I immediately stopped once i heard/felt the ding. My car (an SUV) suffered no significant damage, just a scratch on the corner of the bumper which I wouldn't bother repairing. The other driver's car (a sedan) received a scrape over the bumper which extended just a bit to include the hood. There was a very minor dent associated with it as well.
Police were called and a report was given, and both parties exchanged info. I am now being told by the other party that his repair will cost $850 and they are suggesting to me that it would be better for me to pay this myself rather than get my insurance company involved.
The cost seems excessive for the damage, but would only make sense if the only way to repair the car would be to replace the entire bumper and hood (which I think is extreme, but I don't know).
My question is: How should I go about this? Should I simply turn it over to my insurance? Will my rates skyrocket from this incident and therefore would it be wise to pay $850 in the long run? If I can negotiate (which I am not sure is possible with the other party), how much would make it "worth it" to pay out of pocket and not report to the insurance company? The incident was my fault, but I just figured this is why I pay for insurance. I'm a good driver (my only 'accident' to this point) otherwise, without any bad history. Should I call my insurance company and get their input or is it true that once I report it to them I can't settle?
Sorry for such "simpleton" questions. Just trying to make an informed decision.ate?
I was waiting behind a car for gas at a gas station. Decided it was taking too long and that I would go find another gas station. I decided to back up and exit the premise. I put the car in reverse and dinged a guy who was also waiting in line about one foot behind me. I did not accelerate and I immediately stopped once i heard/felt the ding. My car (an SUV) suffered no significant damage, just a scratch on the corner of the bumper which I wouldn't bother repairing. The other driver's car (a sedan) received a scrape over the bumper which extended just a bit to include the hood. There was a very minor dent associated with it as well.
Police were called and a report was given, and both parties exchanged info. I am now being told by the other party that his repair will cost $850 and they are suggesting to me that it would be better for me to pay this myself rather than get my insurance company involved.
The cost seems excessive for the damage, but would only make sense if the only way to repair the car would be to replace the entire bumper and hood (which I think is extreme, but I don't know).
My question is: How should I go about this? Should I simply turn it over to my insurance? Will my rates skyrocket from this incident and therefore would it be wise to pay $850 in the long run? If I can negotiate (which I am not sure is possible with the other party), how much would make it "worth it" to pay out of pocket and not report to the insurance company? The incident was my fault, but I just figured this is why I pay for insurance. I'm a good driver (my only 'accident' to this point) otherwise, without any bad history. Should I call my insurance company and get their input or is it true that once I report it to them I can't settle?
Sorry for such "simpleton" questions. Just trying to make an informed decision.ate?