Auto Insurance Claims: Filing an insurance claim, reimbursement coverage, rental reimbursement

Question
Honda Accord - 97
I was involved in a car crash on 6/15.  I was rear-ended causing me to rear-end a car in front of me.  The police deemed the driver that rear-ended me at fault.  When I contacted my insurance agent I was told that it would be in my best interest to contact the at fault driver's insurance company to file a claim.  However, if I had problems with the other driver's insurance company I should recontact my claims rep. and file a claim, but I would be "charged" for the claim.  Am I solely responsible for pursuing a settlement for my damages and what does being "charged" for the claim mean?  Additionally, my car is no longer safe to drive.  I need to get a rental car so that I can return to work by 6/20.  What should I do?

Answer
I would honestly ask your agent what he/she does for the commission (10-15%) that he/she makes on your premium......

First of all... do you have your own Collision (COLL) coverage?

If so, you can present the claim to your company and have them handle it.. subject to your deductible.  While you would initially be out your deductible it would get your car repaired in the fastest way.  If you have Coll coverage and your company handles/pays, they would then seek to get reimbursed from the at-fault or their company and that would include your deductible... when they recover you, would get paid back for your deductible.. that way you would be made whole.  If you have your own rental reimbursement coverage your company should be able to put you into a rental if your car is not driveable.....

If you do not have COLL coverage then your only recourse is against the at-fault party and their company. Your agent SHOULD assist you with the preparation and presentation of your claim...

If the accident was clearly the trailing car's fault then you should NOT be charged for any claim as this would be designated a NOT AT FAULT loss.... by "charged" they are talking about point(s) and the possibility of a premium surcharge the next time your policy (6 mos or one year term) renews.

If the trailing car's company is going to accept liability (100% fault) then you can and should deal with them re your repairs and the need for a rental.

Hope and trust that I have answered your question(s) and provided some direction.

Feel free to get back to me with any further questions or issues relative to this matter.

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Thanks