Scraped a car in a parking lot - what's next?

[mjbaby]

So I was distracted by some 9/11 coverage on the radio today and misjudged the angle to turn into a parking spot. Totally my fault and I left a note. The damage to my car is minimal, although noticeable, and the damage to the other car is not horrible, but something I'd definitely want to have fixed if it were my car. I never felt a thing, only heard the noise - which I didn't identify until it was too late. The scrape is midway from the passenger side front door to midway of the passenger side back door, and about 3 inches high. So, not insignificant. I took pics with my phone.

The guy called me and I took responsibility, apologized and right away offered up my insurance info. He said he'd rather take it to get an estimate but I replied that I'd rather go through insurance to be on the up-and-up (in addition to being by the book, his car had a number of other scrapes and dings that don't want to be held responsible for!)

At this point he said he'd "maybe call on Monday" to talk more about it.

What? Isn't that strange? I did call my claims adjuster to let her know of the delay, but other than that I'm not sure what else I should or could be doing to help this move smoothly. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

 

[sksjasams]

I guess I would just sit tight and wait until I heard back from him. Maybe he is busy and doesn't have time to deal with it now? Whatever the reason, you have done your part until you hear back from him.

 

[Mkebound]

I take it you have already talked to your insurance company?

If that is the case from now on you should refer him to your insurance company. There is really nothing more for you to do, and no benefit for you to talk to him. That's what insurance is for.

 

[winniedapooh]

OP at least you left a note. I went into the bookstore today and came out and noticed my license plate bent straight up...upon closer inspection, my front bumper is all scratched up!!! I would have been so appreciative if someone had left me a note at least...

 

[mjbaby]

I take it you have already talked to your insurance company?

If that is the case from now on you should refer him to your insurance company. There is really nothing more for you to do, and no benefit for you to talk to him. That's what insurance is for.

Yes, I did call my insurer. I probably will come out of it slightly worse off financially, but I really didn't want to have to deal with all this on my own. As you say, that's what insurance is for and this is the first time ever I've had to make a call like this after being on the road for 26 years.

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[scrapquitler]

So I was distracted by some 9/11 coverage on the radio today and misjudged the angle to turn into a parking spot. Totally my fault and I left a note. The damage to my car is minimal, although noticeable, and the damage to the other car is not horrible, but something I'd definitely want to have fixed if it were my car. I never felt a thing, only heard the noise - which I didn't identify until it was too late. The scrape is midway from the passenger side front door to midway of the passenger side back door, and about 3 inches high. So, not insignificant. I took pics with my phone.

The guy called me and I took responsibility, apologized and right away offered up my insurance info. He said he'd rather take it to get an estimate but I replied that I'd rather go through insurance to be on the up-and-up (in addition to being by the book, his car had a number of other scrapes and dings that don't want to be held responsible for!)

At this point he said he'd "maybe call on Monday" to talk more about it.

What? Isn't that strange? I did call my claims adjuster to let her know of the delay, but other than that I'm not sure what else I should or could be doing to help this move smoothly. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Contact your agent or claims adjustor, let them know what happened and don't give it another thought. They'll handle it. If the guy calls you, tell him that your insurance agent is handling it from now on and give him the number.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I would guess he doesn't have current insurance or registration if he is balking about going through the insurance company.

At this point, if he calls back I would just tell him you have handed it over to your insurance company and he can go through them or do nothing at all.

 

[tlbwriter]

I've been in your shoes, except it was a coworker I scraped, not a stranger. I told my insurance agent what had happened and that was the end of my involvement. He might be stalling because he's figuring out his options (get it fixed or not), and he might also be afraid that if he goes through your insurance, he'll have to fix it whether he wants to or not. If the car's already dinged up in other areas, it might be that he'd prefer the cash and is hoping you'll offer it to him.

 

[vicki_c]

I did the same thing about a year ago in a parking ramp. I left a note with all my info, and drove straight to my insurance agent on the way home and gave them all the details. The person I hit never contacted me or my insurance agent. Really weird. But the damage to my van was able to be almost completely removed by my husband with some rubbing - guess it was just some paint transfer on my bumper. The other car looked like it had a lot more damage, so I don't really get it, but they never called.

I agree though, just let the insurance companies work it out. It sucks though - gives you the worst feeling in the pit of your stomach, doesn't it? I was kicking myself for days.

 

[azdizzymom]

Guess this should be a reminder to all of us...when in an accident...TAKE PICTURES! That way it shows what the damage was and there is not an issue later of old damage trying to be claimed. Most of us have cell phones with cameras or can put a disposable or older camera in car 'just in case'.

Sorry it happened OP..good to hear there are still honest people around who leave notes!

 

[aprilgail2]

I would guess he doesn't have current insurance or registration if he is balking about going through the insurance company.

At this point, if he calls back I would just tell him you have handed it over to your insurance company and he can go through them or do nothing at all.

Not necessarily-I always try to avoid going through insurance whenever possible. I had clipped a bumper of an old car while I was driving a rented u-haul truck. I sure didn't want to go through insurance so I just pulled out two hundred dollars and the kid whos car it was was more than happy to take the money and forget it ever happened.
Last time someone damamged my car we took it for an estimate and they paid to have it fixed- they didn't want to go through insurance and I really don't give a crap as long as the car is fixed.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Not necessarily-I always try to avoid going through insurance whenever possible. I had clipped a bumper of an old car while I was driving a rented u-haul truck. I sure didn't want to go through insurance so I just pulled out two hundred dollars and the kid whos car it was was more than happy to take the money and forget it ever happened.
Last time someone damamged my car we took it for an estimate and they paid to have it fixed- they didn't want to go through insurance and I really don't give a crap as long as the car is fixed.

I can understand the person who is at fault not wanting to go through insurance but if it was my car that was damaged and the person who did it owned up to it and gave me their insurance information I wouldn't be quibbling over it. I would be happy it was being taken care of without me having to fight the person who did it.

 

[ancestry]

My first thought is that he doesn't want to get his car fixed and probably would prefer to take the cash from you and pocket it.

 

[Juliet25]

I take it you have already talked to your insurance company?

If that is the case from now on you should refer him to your insurance company. There is really nothing more for you to do, and no benefit for you to talk to him. That's what insurance is for.

I agree. I, personally, would want to go through insurance--not pay OOP for any damage. Kudos to you for leaving a note. So many people would not.

 

[Juliet25]

I did the same thing about a year ago in a parking ramp. I left a note with all my info, and drove straight to my insurance agent on the way home and gave them all the details. The person I hit never contacted me or my insurance agent. Really weird. But the damage to my van was able to be almost completely removed by my husband with some rubbing - guess it was just some paint transfer on my bumper. The other car looked like it had a lot more damage, so I don't really get it, but they never called.

I agree though, just let the insurance companies work it out. It sucks though - gives you the worst feeling in the pit of your stomach, doesn't it? I was kicking myself for days.

Maybe they wanted to treat it as a hit and run and collect the money from insurance instead of getting it fixed?

 

[vicki_c]

Maybe they wanted to treat it as a hit and run and collect the money from insurance instead of getting it fixed?

That's a theory I never thought of. Interesting - could be that.

 

[21hearts]

If they are balking at going through your insurance company then that leads me to think they don't want it fixed but would rather have the money.

I would wait for them to call you back and tell them that you already gave all of the information to your insurance company and that they will handle it from there on out ( I would give them whatever information they need - phone number, claim number?, person to contact about?, -- I'm not sure what they would need I've never been in this situation) and let that be that.

 

[mpls_mm]

I wouldn't have any more contact, I got hit by a psycho once and she wouldn't leave me alone. I didn't her my info, she got it from the report and started calling.

 

[a1tinkfans]

So I was distracted by some 9/11 coverage on the radio today and misjudged the angle to turn into a parking spot. Totally my fault and I left a note. The damage to my car is minimal, although noticeable, and the damage to the other car is not horrible, but something I'd definitely want to have fixed if it were my car. I never felt a thing, only heard the noise - which I didn't identify until it was too late. The scrape is midway from the passenger side front door to midway of the passenger side back door, and about 3 inches high. So, not insignificant. I took pics with my phone.

The guy called me and I took responsibility, apologized and right away offered up my insurance info. He said he'd rather take it to get an estimate but I replied that I'd rather go through insurance to be on the up-and-up (in addition to being by the book, his car had a number of other scrapes and dings that don't want to be held responsible for!)

At this point he said he'd "maybe call on Monday" to talk more about it.

What? Isn't that strange? I did call my claims adjuster to let her know of the delay, but other than that I'm not sure what else I should or could be doing to help this move smoothly. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

As long as you called it in, your responsibbility is done. Some people like to make issues, stir the pot, Look for $$. If/when he calls, just say," heres the info you need, my carrier will be glad to help you out as they know all about it and have the pictures I sent" (Lets him know you KNOW exactly what you did)
I would not entertain calls talks with him after that!
By the way, very nice that you did leave a note. My dh truck has a HUGE dent, like a truck turned into it, misjudged and left NOTHING....so annoying, only hit/dink/dent on a truck we have had for years...sad that people are so uncaring....we left it tho....not worth spending $, but very upsetting none the less...

 

[a1tinkfans]

That's a theory I never thought of. Interesting - could be that.

Uh huh, he'll collect, thats is another reason why it is so important to always protect yourself, document it and report it,. even if it is for "record purposes only" When you give them/carrier facts. pictures, etc (like the car was UNoccupied) you proetct yourself!