QuestionMy wife rear ended another car in front in California.
She did not collect the driver's license and insurance details. She does not know what car it is.
I talked to the guy over the phone and said i am willing to settle without the insurance getting involved. He said he will get the car inspected on Tuesday and let me know the amount. I dont know if his girl friend had license. My question now
1. If i go through the insurance how much will my insurance go up.
2. If she gets a ticket, can she go to the driving school ( last one was 20 months back).
3. what if the girl does not have a driving license ?
4. If i settle outside, what kind of forms should i get signed by other car.
AnswerHi Dodda,
I will try to answer each of your questions in order.
1. Each insurance company has their own underwriting criteria. You should contact the agent you bought your policy from to find out what effect an at fault accident will have on your premium.
2. Each state has it's own rules on what you may be able to do to avoid points on your license as a result of a ticket. You should contact your department of motor vehicles, or possibly your traffic court to find this out.
3. The fact that the other driver does not have a license is not relivent. When ever you rear end someone, you are at fault.
4. If you settle directly with the other person, you should have them sign a "release of all claims" form. This form will indicate that for the amount of money you are paying, there will be no other claims, either for property damage or bodily injury. You should have them sign the form in front of a notory public. You may be able to find a ready made form at one of these websites; www.nolo.com or www.legalforms.com.
I hope this helps.
Richard Hixenbaugh
