Auto Insurance Claims: Parking Lot Hit & Run, independent witness, chargeable event

Question
QUESTION: Hi Richard,

My question pertains to a hit and run in a parking lot.  I saw a question answered earlier with a similar issue but that was in Washington. I am in California so I wanted to make sure about the rules in this state.

I left my car in a parking lot and when I came back, I noticed the back end had been hit, resulting in a dent and peeled off paint.  No one left any note on the car and there were unfortunately no cameras to document anything.  As such, this would be a "hit-and-run" I guess.  

I have farmers insurance with full coverage.  What I want to know is if I file a claim, will my rates go up even though I am not at fault?  Also, would this incident be coverable under "uninsured motorist" so that my deductible would not apply?  And are there any other things I should keep in mind besides what I have mentioned?

Thanks in advance!

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

Although you have stated what happened to your car, the insurance comapny will likely not believe you. In order for the claim to be handled as an uninsured motorist claim, there must be proof that another car did the damage. This can be in the form of an independent witness, a video tape or having the identity of the person who hit you. Without one of the above it is unlikely the insurance company will will handle this as an uninsured motorist claim. Otherwise people who back into a tree in their own yard would claim it was a fantom vehicle in order to not pay their deductible or incure a rate increase.

If you report this to Farmers, it will likely be paid under your collision coverage and be subject to your deductible. It will also be considered a chargeable event that will likely increase your premiums for the next 3 years.

You should go to a body shop to get an estimate of the cost of the repairs. Once you know how much it will cost, you can determine what the insurance will pay after your deductible. Then you can decide if making the claim will be worth while.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for such a quick response.  Just a quick followup.  Another person who posted almost the exact same question was told that if you are not at fault then your rate will not go up.  The only difference in that case was the person was in Washington.  Otherwise, their situation was exactly the same.  Obviously insurance companies will differ from person to person and from claim to claim but does your answer reflect a difference in rules within California?  I have never claimed anything from my insurance company and it would be a shame for them to raise my rates for something like this.

Answer
Hi Mike,

I do not know the exact question to which you are referring, however, what I told you is the common situation rgardless of the state in which you live. Without proof that someone else caused the damage, the claum is usually paid by your collison coverage. As you said, each company may handle things a little differently, but most will handle it as I have said.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh