What is the name of your state? North Carolina
Today while I was backing out of a parking spot, I backed into the rear of a parked vehicle. I was going very slowly and stopped the car as soon as I heard (and felt) contact.
I parked, got out, we (the other driver & I) looked for damage to her car. She pointed out a scratch (covered in dust) that ran along the right side of the car. There's no way I caused that. There was another vehicle parked to her right already in the space - there's no physical way my car could have scraped down the right side of her car. I would have had to have pushed the other car out of the way. What I did find and pointed out to her, was a 4-5 inch area of paint missing off the right side of her bumper - no dents. There was even the trace of my rubber bumper on this area.
I asked if she wanted to exchange insurance info and she did. She asked for my name and insurance policy number. I got the registered car owner's name and their insurance policy number but honestly was too rattled (as this is my first ever accident) to get the make and model of the car (other than it was a red minivan) and her name or phone number.
The police weren't called - so no police report was filed then.
My question is - should I put in a claim for my insurance company or wait until (and if) *they* file a claim. I worry about my insurance premiums going up because this was my fault even though it was a minor accident (plus my deductible is $1000).
My real worry is that - since I wasn't able to get photos and I didn't have a witness - they will try to claim the more extensive damage that was already there was caused by me.
Should I go ahead and file a claim with my insurance company or wait to see what they do?
Thanks!
KWhat is the name of your state?
Today while I was backing out of a parking spot, I backed into the rear of a parked vehicle. I was going very slowly and stopped the car as soon as I heard (and felt) contact.
I parked, got out, we (the other driver & I) looked for damage to her car. She pointed out a scratch (covered in dust) that ran along the right side of the car. There's no way I caused that. There was another vehicle parked to her right already in the space - there's no physical way my car could have scraped down the right side of her car. I would have had to have pushed the other car out of the way. What I did find and pointed out to her, was a 4-5 inch area of paint missing off the right side of her bumper - no dents. There was even the trace of my rubber bumper on this area.
I asked if she wanted to exchange insurance info and she did. She asked for my name and insurance policy number. I got the registered car owner's name and their insurance policy number but honestly was too rattled (as this is my first ever accident) to get the make and model of the car (other than it was a red minivan) and her name or phone number.
The police weren't called - so no police report was filed then.
My question is - should I put in a claim for my insurance company or wait until (and if) *they* file a claim. I worry about my insurance premiums going up because this was my fault even though it was a minor accident (plus my deductible is $1000).
My real worry is that - since I wasn't able to get photos and I didn't have a witness - they will try to claim the more extensive damage that was already there was caused by me.
Should I go ahead and file a claim with my insurance company or wait to see what they do?
Thanks!
KWhat is the name of your state?