QuestionHello, I have a bit of tricky situation and am hoping you can help me out. My boyfriend backed into me the other day (1996 VW jetta), smashing the L headlight mainly, but also cracking the grill. There was no damage whatsoever to his truck, and we figured we'd just get the headlight and grill repaired at our expense, simple enough. Then, not 48 hrs later, I was proceeding through an intersection and was smashed into by a speeding driver. Most of the damage is to the right front wheel/bumper, with the wheel being completely caved in and the car un-drivable. There is obviously severe damage to the axle, and I fear the power steering may be involved too. Furthermore, at the point of impact, the merely cracked grill from before, went flying off in pieces and into the street. At this point I would say it is questionable whether they will repair the car, or just call it a Total Loss.
What I don't know is what/how/if I should tell the insurance company about the previous fender-bender incident. Since we didn't report it, I am afraid we can get in trouble because technically you're supposed to report any incident, though of course not everyone does.
Should I admit to the pre-existing damage or not? It is fairly obvious from looking at the car that there was a prior incident to the left front, but the second crash (not my fault, by the way!) made the damage far WORSE. Or should I wait to see what/if they mention it? If it's a total loss, it all kind of seems to be moot point, no?
Thank in advance for your kind help.
AnswerHi Laura,
First of all, you are not required to report every little incident. So don't feel bad about that. The major damage from the second incident sounds like it will total the vehicle. Unfortunately a 1996 vehile is likely only worth less than $2,000.00.
You should just let them do their evaluation and only mention the headlight and grill if they bring it up to you.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixnenbaugh
