So I was just parked, lady hops in neutral and slides into me. I drive a Mercury grand Marquis, grille smashed up a little and scratches on my bumper. Who do I call and what do I say? I have it all on my dash cam. She started to pull away (about a foot) but I yelled after her. Called the cops and they did a report, I got a number to get a report at the station. Also can I wait a week to handle this after my vacation?
Other notes: I’m in Ohio, I have a $700 marauder bumper and I put the grille on myself, would insurance cover that? Plus painting? I mean there’s zero doubt that it was entirely her fault. I’ve just never had to do this so anything helps. Thanks in advance!
Posted by MustangGT35R
2 Comments
If you know who they are, file a claim against her insurance company (call them). It will take a little bit for the claim to get going (i.e. them contacting their insured). Send them the dash cam footage as evidence. And you’ll have to provide them documentation regarding your custom parts.
Yes, you can hold off on the inspection/repairs, but I’d recommend starting the claims process now to get the ball rolling.
If you don’t know who they are or if she doesn’t have valid insurance coverage, file a claim under your collision coverage if you have it. You will owe your deductible to the body shop and they will pursue the at-fault carrier later down the line to try and get it back.
You can either call your own insurance and have your claim handled immediately or contact her insurance and file a claim through them.
If you go through your insurance you pay your collision deductible and your insurance will pursue her insurance for reimbursement after the claim is concluded.
If you go through her insurance you do f pay a deductible but it will take longer as you’ll have to wait for them to contact their insured and confirm coverage and liability.
If you aren’t in a rush go this route since damage seems minor.
You’ll need to provide her insurance with your dashcam footage too if they ask.
Whether it’s your insurance or her insurance an estimate will be written for repairs.
If you had a different bumper be sure to let the appraiser writing the estimate know this.
It should still be covered including painting it.