Can I Refuse to Go Through my Insurance?

[chinwan]

I bumped into someones car going less then 5mph, their damage was extremely minor, a few scratches.
I gave them my insurance and I told them to get an estimate at a body shop. I said if it is minor, let me pay direct without going through insurance. They then called me up to say they want to go through my insurance no matter what. Can they do that?

 

[BlockO]

First of all, what state are you in? Which company are you insured with, and do they have an accident forgiveness program in place? You need to know those things and exactly how much the estimate is before you make a final decision.

But generally, if you were at fault, they have every right to file a claim with your insurance company.

Your company will then contact you to get your side of the events. You can offer to pay the claim yourself, rather than having a paid loss liability claim on your record. Companies may handle that differently from one to the next.

Did the other driver give you any reason WHY they didn't allow you the chance to pay the damages out of pocket?

 

[chinwan]

I am in NJ and I am with Geico. I do not know if they have a forgiveness program.

The reason they gave was, "just in case there was hidden damage". The damage was a scratch and a bumper coming of of the clip, I was going less then 3mph probably. There is no hidden damage. I told them to go to the body shop of their choice and get a quote from there.

 

[blue_wynd]

Ultimately, it is their choice whether or not if they go through the insurance carrier or you. Good luck convincing them.

 

[ammoun]

I am in NJ and I am with Geico. I do not know if they have a forgiveness program.

The reason they gave was, "just in case there was hidden damage". The damage was a scratch and a bumper coming of of the clip, I was going less then 3mph probably. There is no hidden damage. I told them to go to the body shop of their choice and get a quote from there.

I think for them to choose between two "equivalent" options, they're opting for the "safer" one. But try to play the carfax argument... Not sure how exactly the report gets updated but most likely it won't show up when insurance isn't involved.

 

[best14rates]

Geico doesn't have a forgiveness program and the person does have the right to file I can see both sides here I had a client that had minor damage and person swore they would pay for the damages but in the end they did not pay for it not only that they gave false address and phone number I have this same thing happen to me. Also I have seen with many carriers still consider it an at fault accident which raises your insurance rates even if the carrier paid nothing and you did pay for it yourself but it was filed under your policy. I also have seen a minor claim filed under $500 worth of damage but all of a sudden they found out they could make medical claims also and made claims that they needed massages and other thing and the insurance company paid it all with out . batting an eye I wish you the best of luck this maybe the reason why they decided to file with the insurance company is to now claim medical issues

 

[Sales71]

Geico doesn't have a forgiveness program and the person does have the right to file I can see both sides here I had a client that had minor damage and person swore they would pay for the damages but in the end they did not pay for it not only that they gave false address and phone number I have this same thing happen to me. Also I have seen with many carriers still consider it an at fault accident which raises your insurance rates even if the carrier paid nothing and you did pay for it yourself but it was filed under your policy. I also have seen a minor claim filed under $500 worth of damage but all of a sudden they found out they could make medical claims also and made claims that they needed massages and other thing and the insurance company paid it all with out . batting an eye I wish you the best of luck this maybe the reason why they decided to file with the insurance company is to now claim medical issues

Best option is if they want to use your insurance just let them use it and when a claim adjuster call you and talk with you about the accident make sure you state they might want to claim medical injury and tell the how slow you were going and not to pay. After the claim is over leave Geico and go with an Independent broker who can help you answer those question about insurance and cares for you. Good Luck

 

[best14rates]

Best option is if they want to use your insurance just let them use it and when a claim adjuster call you and talk with you about the accident make sure you state they might want to claim medical injury and tell the how slow you were going and not to pay. After the claim is over leave Geico and go with an Independent broker who can help you answer those question about insurance and cares for you. Good Luck

I agree completely about finding an independent agent they can answer your questions and help with the claims process as to where just online policies take that personal sire out of the equation after all if your having to come to this site to ask question because your carrier must not be answering the questions for you a local agent would of had this done and over in a heartbeat for you . Like I said though if the claim is opened with the carrier even if they do not pay it is extremely likely that is will show up as an at fault accident which will effect your insurance rates for a few years with most carriers. I would tell Geico if you are paying out of pocket to remove that from the record. good luck and Find an agent in your area you will be much happier I am sure

 

[EKS]

I think for them to choose between two "equivalent" options, they're opting for the "safer" one. But try to play the carfax argument... Not sure how exactly the report gets updated but most likely it won't show up when insurance isn't involved.

I hope you know that carfax is not 100% accurate...

 

[xrac]

I hope you know that carfax is not 100% accurate...

No one figures that it is.