Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance claim for minor damage, collision repair shop, juris doctor

Question
My car(parked) was rear ended in the parking lot. The other driver confessed not having activated the parking brake. The damage to the rear bump is minor. How can I(or should I) ask him for repairing since a all new bump will cost a lot while repairing may take several days?

Thanks in advance and best regards,


Answer
Dear Ning,

There are three things you need to do.  First, take your car to a reputable collision repair shop and get an estimate for repairs.  Although this sounds like a real low impact, one never knows if there is some additional damage that must be accounted for.

Second, give the estimate to the other owner.  He has to pay that in CASH, not promises.  A check is OK, but cash it quickly.

Third, if he does not pay ASAP, report the accident to his insurance. If he won't give you his insurance, report it to your insurance.  They will do the repairs (or pay you the cash) and once they start to pursue him, he will wish he had paid because his insurance will eventually pay.

Note #1: you do not ever have to repair the bumper if you just want to keep the cash.

Note #2: Your insurance CANNOT RAISE YOUR RATES for using your coverage inasmuch as this is NOT an at-fault accident.  

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com