Rear Ended by 19th and Dunlap, need advice ASAP (Phoenix: insurance, title)

[Encinitas]

Never been rear ended before. Everyone was fine including my 2 yr. old. Anyway, just need someone's opinion. Should I file a claim from my insurance (21st Century) and possibly pay my deductible (they will probably reimburst us) or call her insurance (which by the way she owns) and file a claim. Nothing visible damage, the trunk pupped open but we were able to close it again but a giant cup of coffee spilled over and inside the gear shift. Was a little shook up and didn't call the police.

[Cj81]

If there was no damage and nobody was hurt then you have no reason to file a claim. You should have called the police and got a police report, without that it will be your word vs. thiers and will end up in court. But if there was no damage then I wouldn't worry about it

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by Cj81

If there was no damage and nobody was hurt then you have no reason to file a claim. You should have called the police and got a police report, without that it will be your word vs. thiers and will end up in court. But if there was no damage then I wouldn't worry about it

I agree with this. Always call the police, just in case. If there wasn't any damage, then why does there need to be a claim, for what? I have accidentally rear-ended two people before (reached over to get something and my foot left the brake pedal). No visible damage, and the other person just said forget it. Once I think they wanted my general info, name, phone, just in case.

Also the area that you had your accident is not a good one for driving. No one seems to care how they drive (I don't know how that is any different anywhere else ?)

[kawgpz550]

IMO, I think you should probably ask her about taking care of the coffee situation. I would give her the opportunity to decide if she wants to pay for the cleaning out of pocket or submit it to the insurance. You shouldn't have to submit it to yours...if anyone's rate stands a chance of going up, it should be the person that is at fault, not yours!
Good luck on your endeavor!

[aj661]

A police report is required if there is $1000 or more combined damage. If there may be less damage, you still can request a report be taken. You might be surprised how little damage it takes to reach that $$$ amount. If the collision caused your trunk to pop open, you probably have damage, visible or not.

If you were not at fault, contacting your own insurance would only be as a courtesy. Contact the other parties insurance. They are responsible for all damage repairs, clean ups. Any claims against your policy will eventually increase your rates. Even glass claims eventually cost you, so if it isn't your fault, always go after the other parties insurance first, assuming a claim is made. Insurance companies are notorious for placing far to much weight on police reports. Not necessarily the content of the report, just that one was generated. If you file a claim, do not let them tell you that they can't do anything without a police report. The requirements for when a report must be filed are spelled out in ARS Title 28. (see the first sentence)

Always call the police. It can save you a lot of headaches later. It doesn't necessarily mean a report will be taken and citations issued, but it will insure that the proper information is exchanged. One more thing. This should be a no-brainer, but if it's a minor collision and you can move the cars to the side of the road, do it. Remaining stopped in traffic can cause serious problems for others. The officer will be able to figure it out.

[Encinitas]

Thanks everyone. Now I just need to find a place to take my car to and check out the damages. Any suggestions, near Happy Valley and I 17? The other insurance company said to take it in and mail the receipt and she will reimburst me.

[AksarbeN]

You’re very lucky that it wasn’t more serious. If there was little or no visible damage I would you have 24 hours I think to call in a police report especially if no one was hurt and very little if any damage. Most of the time you can walk away (drive away) and no one has any problems; however it always depends on how you feel about the other driver ~ do you trust him/her? No one ticketed, no large amount to pay for damage, I’d do an out of pocket settlement and kiss it goodbye. If the case is referred to the insurance companies the cost of coverage usually goes up in the next year or so.

If it was a Starbucks cappuccino I’d ask for her to reimburse me for not only that cup of coffee but maybe buy me a couple of extras for the next week or so.

Count your blessings and hopefully you’ll not have any after the accident issues. Most all of the streets in Phoenix and the valley have too many accidents, there just isn’t anyplace that is safe to drive.