Auto Insurance Claims: Should I pay?, party insurance, collision coverage

Question
3rd party insurance sent me to one of the direct body shops for estimate. Car  was fixed, but insurance co refused to pay because (1) the insured never called back to confirm the accident; (2) although I have the insured insurance #, plate #, I don't have the exact model/year (no police report). Am I liable?

Answer
Hi James,

Any time you put your vehicle in a shop for repairs, you are responsible for paying the bill, since you are the only one that can authorize the repairs.  If you have collision coverage on your own policy, you can put the claim through your own policy. Otherwise, you will have to file a lawsuit against the at fault driver and if the judge decides it was the other drivers fault, his insurance company would have to pay.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh