Trying to figure something out.
There was an incident that occurred, and without going into details. It was deemed 50/50 fault. I didn't agree with it (and still don't), but I accepted the point of view of the officer and left it at that.
I've had no contact with the other driver (moron, stupid butt face grr)… and just took care of my damage out of pocket, since it's 50/50 fault, no point going through insurance.
Now. 3 months after, I get an email from an adjuster at my insurance company, being contacted by the fire department for bill to be paid under my insurance claim. They made it 50/50 bill. So they are billing half of it to the other driver's insurance company (which turned out to be a rental).
Now, does this count as a claim under my insurance that I did not start?
Is this going to affect my insurance premiums? Even though I have not opened a claim and I have paid out my damages of my vehicle out of pocket already? (Fender and Bumper damage).
I was in the process of insurance shopping as well. Since my work place gives me a great discount at another insurance company. Does this mean? Now I have a claim on file?
Let me know what things I should be considering? What steps to take? Should I contact a lawyer? I sustained no injuries.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Posted by JadedHuman
5 Comments
Police do not determine fault when it comes to insurance claims. So if you chose to pay out of pocket b/c the officer said it was 50/50, that may have been a rash decision. And you didn’t give any details of the accident in question, so I can’t give any opinions on whether or not I think the officer was correct.
And yes, other people can create third party claims with your insurance carrier. Normally, your insurance carrier will contact you to get statements as a part of their investigation. Unless, of course, they have enough other evidence (witnesses, dashcam footage, etc) to determine you had fault without your statement.
And yes, if somebody opens a third party claim against your insurance, and insurance accepts liability, it will show as an accident/claim in your history. Hiring a lawyer isn’t going to change this.
yeah man… you done messed up. It’s a claim against you.
what state
Yes, that is a claim. If you speak with an attorney he/she will tell you the same thing.
Ontrario has different insurance rules than most other areas. Everything is handled through your own insurance company regarding your vehicle. Read up on DCPD insurance (Direct Compensation Property Damage).
If you are not a resident of the municipality where the incident occurred the local fire department will bill you for responding and clean up costs.
Toronto for example charges $559.86 for the first hour and $279.93 for each additional 1/2 hour for non residents of the city.