QuestionHello,
I hope you can help me.My parked van was damaged by a yellow school bus driving through an intersection.Unlucky for me,the three witnesses that saw the accident take place did not obtain any plate,bus number or even exact company information.I have full comprehensive coverage on my van through Geico and a claim was reported at the time and scene of the accident.Geico has my claim listed as no-fault and they told me that i can file a claim when i am ready to do so.My question for you is as follows: my van has incurred about $5000 in damage (I'm not an adjuster but that's my rough estimate).If I cannot prove that the accident was not my fault(considering the fact that I have nobody to pin it on)does this mean that my rates will automatically go up if they pay out a large claim? A friend told me about a New York State Law which states that insurance companies are not legally allowed to raise rates in no-fault accidents. Is this true? Do I need any sort of proof as to what happened? Any information that you can provide on this issue will be very much appreciated,Thanks,
Yitz
AnswerFirst of all, I am licensed in the State of Virginia and each state does have different laws. But, in most cases and with most companies Comprehensive claims are not chargeable. Therefore, when you advised your company that your auto was parked and hit you were not admitting any type of fault. For this incident to have been considered at fault you would have collided with something (another auto, tree, house, etc).
With insurance today, in the state I sell in, any claim now can potentially raise your premiums. However, the majority of the time, Comprehensive claims do not.
Just to be safe, you can always call a local agent in your area and ask them. They will know your State of New York laws the best and most of all agents are happy to help answer a question for.
I am sorry that I can't be more specific, but I hope that this helps you some.
Have a Blessed Day!
Natasha
