Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance not paying full amount of car repair?, insurance comp, rub marks

Question
I was struck several days ago while backing out of my driveway. I backed up, and right as I was putting my car into drive(on the roadway), the neighbor backed into me. I lay on the horn and she kept pushing me. The damage on my car is on the passenger side and front fender. Damage on her van was to the rubber bumper there were rub marks. She was ticketed by the police in our town. I got a call from her insurance comp today saying they would cut me a check today for 80%. Well, the accident was 100% her fault so why should I pay for any of the damage. Estimate for my Buick repair is $2700. I told them she was ticketed for the accident. I wanted the full amount. Now my insurance co says I have to file a claim under my insurance so they can have "segregation", but I was told thats not always successful. To me this is a clear cut case. Why should I have to pay 20% and take the chance of my insurance going up for filing a claim? I honestly dont understand how the other insurance company can call me and "bargain". I was offended.
Any advice much appreciated.
Thank you
Cher

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

Insurance companies will often do theis as a ploy to save money. They figure that the difference that they are asking you to pay is not enough for you to file a law suit over. If you make the claim to your insurance company they will likely settle for the 80% reimbursement, again because the difference is not worth fighting for.

You should argue vigorously with the at-fault insurance company. Bump it up to a supervisor or claims manager. If you do your best and are still unable to get them to budge you may just want to settle. If you have to pay 20% of $2700.00 thats $540.00. If you maje the claim on your own policy you will have to pay your deductible which is likely $500.00.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh