Hit and Runs...

[s0leful0ne]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/abuzzl23p/DSC00541.jpg

Home for spring break, my car alarm went off yesterday I assumed it was nothing. On my way out to lunch a few hours later and I realized someone had hit my car...No note or anything. Judging by the angle, the most likely candidate is the neighbor across the street. Looking at his car (suspiciously backed in this time) it has too many prior dings to make any sort of conclusion. I was grabbing the mail later in the day, and the wife(?) started to say "how are you doing", but the husband(?) hurried her inside and shut the garage.

Had the police report ready to file, but decided against it, the damage is likely less than $500 not worth the hassle and a $500 deductible. My mom, bless her heart, told me that if they dont have the courage to own up to it that karma will come back around and take care of it. Its just a shame these days that people can't own up to their own actions.

[tobii3]

well, if it helps any, that's a direct impact from almost 90 degrees.

Your door, as well as the dent, have NO directional abrasions (scratches).

I'd kick the neighbor dead in the testicle for that one.

namely -

1) for doing it

2) for attempting to play it off

Need me to come "accidentally" hit his car with an 8,000 lb truck???

[MortonMilo]

Invite him over for dinner.

[kelmac07]

Sorry to hear Aldrin...that sucks big time. :td

[Darrell]

I have a feeling that is more than $500.

My car just got out of the shop and for a new tail light, painted bumper, and labor it cost the lady who hit me $1500.

[ir13]

if its just the fender and nothing else it shouldnt exceed $500 IMO.

[Blueface]

Being in the fraud detection business involving staged accidents and damages and given my background in a body shop and as an adjuster and manager, I say very well done by all of you that have assessed this to be a backing up type impact as opposed to a sideswipe.
Clearly evident by the door not having a major impact to go along with what the fender sustained.
As far as your $500 assessment, consider the following:
Cost of Fender - probably in the $150 plus range
Cost of labor to remove old fender and install new one - probably around $45-50 per hour, minimum, more if at a dealer
Cost of materials to paint the new fender - very expensive nowadays
Cost of prepping, priming and painting the new fender
Cost of inner fender skirt - plastic and clearly damaged
Door OK or does that need to be addressed and blended for color matching?
Cost of clearing door to match once blended
Any damage to suspension? Any chance the wheel got whacked and now you will eat your tire?
Any damage to the rim? That alone can be from $250-$500 easily.

I would inspect his car closely. Impossible for him to not have sustained some resulting damage. Does he have a painted bumper or chrome?

[Volt]

you might want to call.... It's gonna be pricier than you think to fix. Sorry for the luck.

[SinPena!]

You should go and question your neighbor, ask them if they seen anything. It is better to know then assume what happened.

[GKitty]

If they can prove it's him, you don't have to pay the deductible as it comes out of his insurance.

Had a neighbor back into someone's motorcycle which tipped the bike over onto my grill. The motorcycle owner and I both got checks for the damage. I never even had to call my insurance company.

[Commander Quan]

I'd have a talk with the neighbor, let him know that if he did do it you would like him to turn it into the insurance, other wise you will will be contacting the police and reporting a hit and run. If the police find out that he did do it, it will be a lot worse for him at that point.

[RevSmoke]

Two things.

1) Not sure this is less than $500 or not.

2) File the police report. Hit & runs happen all the time, often by the same people who thereby think they can get away with it because it doesn't get reported.

[neoflex]

Your better than me as I probably would have confronted them but I would at least file a police report and I am in the camp that your looking at more than $500 for repairs.:2

[Col. Kurtz]

Being in the fraud detection business involving staged accidents and damages and given my background in a body shop and as an adjuster and manager, I say very well done by all of you that have assessed this to be a backing up type impact as opposed to a sideswipe.
Clearly evident by the door not having a major impact to go along with what the fender sustained.
As far as your $500 assessment, consider the following:
Cost of Fender - probably in the $150 plus range
Cost of labor to remove old fender and install new one - probably around $45-50 per hour, minimum, more if at a dealer
Cost of materials to paint the new fender - very expensive nowadays
Cost of prepping, priming and painting the new fender
Cost of inner fender skirt - plastic and clearly damaged
Door OK or does that need to be addressed and blended for color matching?
Cost of clearing door to match once blended
Any damage to suspension? Any chance the wheel got whacked and now you will eat your tire?
Any damage to the rim? That alone can be from $250-$500 easily.

I would inspect his car closely. Impossible for him to not have sustained some resulting damage. Does he have a painted bumper or chrome?


:tu

Carlos hit every angle. I've been in the loss business for a while also.

I'd probably, get a police report. It'll help prove your car was parked and not moving. Let the officer ask your neighbor what happened. He might be more likely to fess up.

I'd be willing to bet that's closer to $1200 in damages. Get the report, file it on his liability (if that's what happened) and get it fixed.

All just my opinion, but that does suck.

You'd be surprised how many H&R's I get vs. people taking responsibility. Or maybe not. :D

[s0leful0ne]

I would inspect his car closely. Impossible for him to not have sustained some resulting damage. Does he have a painted bumper or chrome?


Hmm...now i'm concerned. Considering I have a long drive up to Gainesville tomorrow, if there is more damage than just cosmetic it could be very dangerous on the freeway.

The bumper is painted on the suspected car, but there are already so many dings and dents in it it would be hard to conclude anything.

Would it be too late to call in the report if it happened yesterday?

[Col. Kurtz]

Hmm...now i'm concerned. Considering I have a long drive up to Gainesville tomorrow, if there is more damage than just cosmetic it could be very dangerous on the freeway.

The bumper is painted on the suspected car, but there are already so many dings and dents in it it would be hard to conclude anything.

Would it be too late to call in the report if it happened yesterday?

No.

Edit to say. Listen to Carlos. I seem to remember Fla. being a PIP state once upon a time. Each state sets up its own rules on P&C. Statues were different enough I didn't get tied up in liability cases down there.

[Darrell]

If he does not confess to hitting your car a ski mask and shotgun are good persuasion tools. ;)

[Jack Straw]

Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens, Larry? This is what happens!

http://img.youtube.com/vi/LCcKBcZzGdA/0.jpg

[Blueface]

Hmm...now i'm concerned. Considering I have a long drive up to Gainesville tomorrow, if there is more damage than just cosmetic it could be very dangerous on the freeway.

The bumper is painted on the suspected car, but there are already so many dings and dents in it it would be hard to conclude anything.

Would it be too late to call in the report if it happened yesterday?

Absolutely not too late at all to file a report.
If you advise the police you suspect him, they may very well ask to see his car.
If he caused that kind of damage to your car, I doubt it won't be visible on his. Furthermore, a little thing called "paint transfer". Your fender has paint missing from the impact. Bet dollars to donuts it will be on his car.

[tx_tuff]

Fill a report, in other words do the right thing.


But I do have a question, was you parked right in front of his driveway? Doesn't make it right by no means. But the guy right across from me always has a car parked right in front of my driveway and there is no getting in and out for me without driving a little in my own yard. Pisses me the F off and if I could get away with it I would smash the hell out of one of them.

[Blueface]

Fill a report, in other words do the right thing.


But I do have a question, was you parked right in front of his driveway? Doesn't make it right by no means. But the guy right across from me always has a car parked right in front of my driveway and there is no getting in and out for me without driving a little in my own yard. Pisses me the F off and if I could get away with it I would smash the hell out of one of them.

Unfortunately, if it is a legal parking spot, he has a right to park there. If it is not legal or there are other options and he won't work with you, then yeah, I would probably get ticked off eventually also.

[Jbailey]

I had two, both at work years ago.

I always parked in the same spot with the drivers door facing the store. I left work and drove home with a couple days off from work. My roommate pulled into the garage and came in and asked me what happened to my car. Of course I had no idea what he was talking about I go into the garage and my passenger door panel is smashed right in. I never saw it because I got in my drivers door and never say the other side.

The second time was a month later in the same spot. But this time with my new car. I was standing my the front window and noticed a weird looking shadow coming from my back bumper. When I went outside I noticed a grapefruit sized dimple in my bumper. Of course I was pissed since I just got this car/current car.

So to say the least I'm not a fan of hit and run.

[Beer Doctor]

I had somebody sideswipe the front fender (similar to where your car got hit) of my car. It also took out my hubcap and made for a pretty ugly ride. I called the cops and they told me I was pretty much screwed. Since I didn't see it they couldn't follow up.

I'd file a police report whether or not you think it was your neighbor:2 That looks like more than 500 bucks damage to me. I feel bad for you bro. Good luck:tu

[s0leful0ne]

it was on the edge of their driveway admittedly not the best spot to park, but it was there because the driveway was being pressure washed at the time (the guy who was pressure washing was not aware of the incident) beyond that, would have been parking in an intersection. the brown car is the one that i had suspected especially because it is normally not backed in. I ventured that the impact came from the right rear of that car.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/abuzzl23p/DSC00544.jpg

Called FHP, they said they were not going to respond to a hit and run incident from yesterday. My only options were to self-report.

Looked at the car, theres some damage, some paint that looks like it could be mine, but the damage is not as severe as what was on my car so it could be improbable, however, seeing as bumper's are designed to absorb impact, it wouldnt be unlikely.

Talked to the neighbors.The car is the one their high school kids take to school, judging by the time of the incident, they claim the kids were at school at the time and could not have hit my car which seems probable.

Not really sure what to think. I might just bite the bullet on this one.

[s0leful0ne]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/abuzzl23p/DSC00549.jpg

heres the suspicious area. the vertical piece of paint seems to match the paint missing on the edge of the door they claim that's been on the car since they bought it.

It's tough for me to let it go, and its tough for me to accuse a neighbor I dont know very well. Only possible hole in their story is if the kid was not at school, and that would be a PITA to prove and probably not worth going through.

[Blueface]

it was on the edge of their driveway admittedly not the best spot to park, but it was there because the driveway was being pressure washed at the time (the guy who was pressure washing was not aware of the incident) beyond that, would have been parking in an intersection. the brown car is the one that i had suspected especially because it is normally not backed in. I ventured that the impact came from the right rear of that car.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/abuzzl23p/DSC00544.jpg

Called FHP, they said they were not going to respond to a hit and run incident from yesterday. My only options were to self-report.

Looked at the car, theres some damage, some paint that looks like it could be mine, but the damage is not as severe as what was on my car so it could be improbable, however, seeing as bumper's are designed to absorb impact, it wouldnt be unlikely.

Talked to the neighbors.The car is the one their high school kids take to school, judging by the time of the incident, they claim the kids were at school at the time and could not have hit my car which seems probable.

Not really sure what to think. I might just bite the bullet on this one.

The type of cover he has on that car in the photo will not tolerate the impact to your car without residual damage.
While true they are designed to absorb impact, that is not the same as saying they do so without resulting damage. The Insurance Institute tests tons of cars annually that all fail the government minimum impact collisions and all end up with thousands of dollars of damage.
That cover is made of a somewhat giving flexible plastic. Under there, it has an "absorber" which is a styrofoam type material. That is what absorbs the impact. Beyond that is a metal reinforcement bar that is the true bumper.
While they can handle some impacts and show minimal damage, I assure you it is unlikely at all that they would have done that to you and you would not be able to readily see damage on their car as result as that is NOT what that bumper was designed to tolerate without evidence of paint and material distortion. Particularly, what often happens is that it absorbs the impact to the point the reinforcement ends up distorting the material on the outside and often protruding it.

Bottom line, if you see nothing of what I have mentioned, it is very, very unlikely it was caused by THAT car. Not to say someone else there didn't perhaps do it.

I can't believe they won't take a report, particularly when a hit and run is a felony.

[Blueface]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/abuzzl23p/DSC00549.jpg

heres the suspicious area. the vertical piece of paint seems to match the paint missing on the edge of the door they claim that's been on the car since they bought it.

It's tough for me to let it go, and its tough for me to accuse a neighbor I dont know very well. Only possible hole in their story is if the kid was not at school, and that would be a PITA to prove and probably not worth going through.

NO WAY.

Sleep in peace.
That car did not cause that damage to your car.
That claim would be in my fraud operation and we would investigate it to seek to deny it as no way those two cars collided together.

I have done a considerable amount of accident reconstruction and have taken many courses and seminars on it. I assure you with all I know, this car did not do that to yours.

[s0leful0ne]

NO WAY.

Sleep in peace.
That car did not cause that damage to your car.
That claim would be in my fraud operation and we would investigate it to seek to deny it as no way those two cars collided together.

I have done a considerable amount of accident reconstruction and have taken many courses and seminars on it. I assure you with all I know, this car did not do that to yours.

Phew! Thanks Carlos. I do feel bad for approaching them a bit hot and heavy earlier, but at least I can trust my neighbors with that at least.

I'll probably just get it repaired out of pocket, with the deductible, police report, and all that hassle and insurance rates, including reacharound time (is that the right word?). I dont need another headache.

At least we had a little mystery out of it.

oh..the word i was looking for was turnaround time.

[G G]

Sorry to hear that Aldrin.:td

[Neuromancer]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/abuzzl23p/DSC00549.jpg

heres the suspicious area. the vertical piece of paint seems to match the paint missing on the edge of the door they claim that's been on the car since they bought it.

It's tough for me to let it go, and its tough for me to accuse a neighbor I dont know very well. Only possible hole in their story is if the kid was not at school, and that would be a PITA to prove and probably not worth going through.

Hey Carlos, if you look at the photo closely, you can there's some rumpling of the bumper on the neighbors car to the right of the paint layer from a darker colored car...that looks like it's slightly squished from an impact...if they were going slowly, like backing out of a driveway, they'd do a lot more damage to what they hit than their car, and it looks like the plastic of their bumper buckled slightly...see the crease on the right side of the bumper at the rear of that car?

[ucubed]

If that's where you parked the car then I would have to assume there is no other location for your accident to come from except those particular neighbors. Since I know the layout of the neighborhood, I would assume that someone was visiting that house at the time and backed into it from the driveway. Though probable, but unlikely that someone who was parked parallel to you on the other side did a 3 point turn into your car. I would suspect those neighbors are indeed involved, but it is possible it wasn't them at all.

Did you consider the other car to cause the damage?

[Blueface]

Phew! Thanks Carlos. I do feel bad for approaching them a bit hot and heavy earlier, but at least I can trust my neighbors with that at least.

I'll probably just get it repaired out of pocket, with the deductible, police report, and all that hassle and insurance rates, including reacharound time (is that the right word?). I dont need another headache.

At least we had a little mystery out of it.

oh..the word i was looking for was turnaround time.

Many carriers will in fact jack up your rates for a hit and run with no police report. Check with your agent.
Get estimates and see where you fall as compared to your $500 deductible.

Hey Carlos, if you look at the photo closely, you can there's some rumpling of the bumper on the neighbors car to the right of the paint layer from a darker colored car...that looks like it's slightly squished from an impact...if they were going slowly, like backing out of a driveway, they'd do a lot more damage to what they hit than their car, and it looks like the plastic of their bumper buckled slightly...see the crease on the right side of the bumper at the rear of that car?

Marc,
Trust me, no way that damage is related.
That bumper would never withstand that damage caused to that fender with such minimal resulting damage.
Also note vertical line. Too perfect. That is from backing up into a fixed, straight object.

If that's where you parked the car then I would have to assume there is no other location for your accident to come from except those particular neighbors. Since I know the layout of the neighborhood, I would assume that someone was visiting that house at the time and backed into it from the driveway. Though probable, but unlikely that someone who was parked parallel to you on the other side did a 3 point turn into your car. I would suspect those neighbors are indeed involved, but it is possible it wasn't them at all.

Did you consider the other car to cause the damage?

I agree with you.
I think it may have very well been due to that driveway, just not that car.

[jaydub13]

Jeez... Im sorry, bro. At least you have a solid suspect...

[neoflex]

Any chance they had a delivery of some sort that day. I would guess that a truck did that damage from the high damage on the fender. Again, just a shot in the dark.

[Blueface]

Blew up that picture to focus on area of damage on his car.
Absolutely no doubt that did not result from hitting your car.
Photo could be fooling me but he does not appear to have paint transfer. Appears from photo to be more like paint scraped exposing material of bumper in its form prior to having been refinished.
Don't see any impressions in the material that would invariably have resulted from metal compressing into it. There would have been some type of impression in the plastic for sure.
While photo appears clear as to what it is, the best way would be In person, to be able to tell for sure on whether paint transfer or scrape. For a layperson, real easy to do. Take wax or compound and buff. If it comes off, it was paint. If it doesn't come off, it is the material underneath.
I think you will buff for days and not remove anything off this one.

[Mugen910]

well, if it helps any, that's a direct impact from almost 90 degrees.

Your door, as well as the dent, have NO directional abrasions (scratches).

I'd kick the neighbor dead in the testicle for that one.

namely -

1) for doing it

2) for attempting to play it off

Need me to come "accidentally" hit his car with an 8,000 lb truck???

:r:r:r:r:r

I can't rep bump you anymore

[Wanger]

Damn, sorry to hear this Aldrin. Getting hit and run is never good, though I'd imagine that damage is well over $500, if you haven't had it checked out already. I got sideswiped in an old Ford Escort a few years ago in a similar spot. Damage estimate was about $1500+.

[mosesbotbol]

I have a feeling that is more than $500.

:tpd:

You're crazy for no police report. Go after him and make his insurance pay. Tell him someone came by and identified his car. Call his bluff.

[Blueface]

:tpd:

You're crazy for no police report. Go after him and make his insurance pay. Tell him someone came by and identified his car. Call his bluff and get some dough out of him.

Moses, being on the claims side of insurance, I can tell you we would strongly defend this case if he were to present it to us, and we were that neighbor's carrier.
If an insured denies the event and if furthermore, there is absolutely no related damage to substantiate the claim (which is clearly evident here), we would honor the insured's version and let a judge decide for us or for you. Our duty in this matter would be to defend the insured as otherwise, with no physical evidence he did it, his rates would unjustifiably go up as result of us paying this claim.

If the damage was significant enough, which is not the case here, we would also hire a reconstruction expert that would testify to that affect, if he agreed that it is unrelated of course.

This neighbor's car did not cause that damage. That is not to say it didn't emanate from that driveway. Just not that car.

[mosesbotbol]

This neighbor's car did not cause that damage. That is not to say it didn't emanate from that driveway. Just not that car.

The hope is the neighbors will give up the car who really did this vs. going through the hassle of fighting it.

Are there street cameras in that neigborhood?

[Blueface]

The hope is the neighbors will give up the car who really did this vs. going through the hassle of fighting it.

Are there street cameras in that neigborhood?

Agree.

I would ask the neighbors if they saw any vehicles in the area other than the two in that photo. A scene canvass can often turn up valuable information.

On a related note, I am trying to find my digital card reader so I can upload some interesting photos to illustrate the damage that can result to a bumper cover from just the slightest pressure against it.

My wife pulled into the garage with the BMW and just slightly pressed into an object that was there, that she misjudged. As a result of this, there is now a nice gauge on my front bumper cover.

Now imagine, that was from a slight impression, from slowly pulling in to the driveway, crawling at that point until the car came to rest. I assure you, my wife is very slow when pulling in the driveway as in front of that object she hit are two 40 gallon containers for my fish tank and the water heater. Imagine what would result from that cover, that has a metal reinforcement for support behind it, which would put pressure back out towards the point of action, that ends up striking and bending metal?

[Blueface]

Hopefully this serves to be purely for education of plastic bumper covers or as known in the industry, Fascia.
Think of the term Fascia and that alone should tell you the intent of these covers. They are nothing more than the final cosmetic finish for the car. They are not there to protect you and I assure you, if that is all you had, you would die in an accident.

The following photo illustrates what happens when your wife slowly rolls to a stop, not hitting an object, just simply putting pressure on it. The result is a gauge in the material. Granted, this is hardly any damage but that is precisely the point. Hardly any damage from merely applying pressure to an object that in turn left a lasting impression.

This is quite common in cities like NY where there is parallel parking. Cars have license plates with screws to hold them protruding. As folks try to leave tight parking spaces, they bang into the cars in front. While not causing major damage, these lasting impressions in the material occur.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0001-1.jpg

Here is the area that she stopped that I have now removed the offender.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0004-1.jpg

So, that all said, again, now imagine what would result to molded plastic when it is compressed with great force up against steel? What exactly can't be predicted in detail but we know one thing for sure, it would be significantly greater than what is on that neighbor's car.

Hope this comparison assisted.

[s0leful0ne]

Went to a shop I've done business with before and they estimated it at $640 I think I can live with that. They said there wasnt any damage other than cosmetic. It seemed to drive fine, I had to spend 30 minutes on the highway to get to the shop, and also hit a pothole along the way so it seems to be holding up ok.

[Blueface]

Went to a shop I've done business with before and they estimated it at $640 I think I can live with that. They said there wasnt any damage other than cosmetic. It seemed to drive fine, I had to spend 30 minutes on the highway to get to the shop, and also hit a pothole along the way so it seems to be holding up ok.

For that amount, don't report it to your insurance.
Not worth it.
Glad to hear nothing else was wrong with it beyond what is visible.
Unfortunately, too many folks think at times damages are minimal and additional damage ends up being there. In your case, I was concerned with the wheel not having taken an impact and you or us not being able to see it.

[Col. Kurtz]

Went to a shop I've done business with before and they estimated it at $640 I think I can live with that. They said there wasnt any damage other than cosmetic. It seemed to drive fine, I had to spend 30 minutes on the highway to get to the shop, and also hit a pothole along the way so it seems to be holding up ok.

That's a hell of a deal.

[JE3146]

Went to a shop I've done business with before and they estimated it at $640 I think I can live with that. They said there wasnt any damage other than cosmetic. It seemed to drive fine, I had to spend 30 minutes on the highway to get to the shop, and also hit a pothole along the way so it seems to be holding up ok.


Your insurance premium increases for the next 3+ years would have been about equal to half of that. + the deductible on top of that... (comparing that to what I pay cus some douchebag rear ended me while I was stopped at a stoplight for a good 2 minutes before he hit me.....2 and a half years ago and it's still effecting me over 75$ every 6 months :rolleyes:)

[Blueface]

Your insurance premium increases for the next 3+ years would have been about equal to half of that. + the deductible on top of that... (comparing that to what I pay cus some douchebag rear ended me while I was stopped at a stoplight for a good 2 minutes before he hit me.....2 and a half years ago and it's still effecting me over 75$ every 6 months :rolleyes:)

Jordan,
Why were you surcharged for a rear end where you were the one rear ended?
That is not a loss qualifying for a surcharge.
Are you sure your increase was not attributed to a non related regular rate increase?
If it was due to an accident surcharge, I would contact your carrier and demand a reduction and credit.
If they don't comply, file a complaint with your local state insurance department.

[JE3146]

Jordan,
Why were you surcharged for a rear end where you were the one rear ended?
That is not a loss qualifying for a surcharge.
Are you sure your increase was not attributed to a non related regular rate increase?
If it was due to an accident surcharge, I would contact your carrier and demand a reduction and credit.
If they don't comply, file a complaint with your local state insurance department.

Basically the deal was that when I signed up for the new insurance provider (after we got married), they searched records and saw that I had an incident on my report or some other mumbo jumbo within the past 3 years. The situation was that I got rear ended while at a complete standstill at a stoplight. My rates are most definitely increased because of it. It even says they are. Honestly it's not even worth fighting because the 6 months are paid for, and it won't be within 3 years at the next payment date, so it'll go back to normal. For the record this is with Progressive insurance since they were the cheapest for our situation, but all providers were going to increase it because of this 'accident'.

[Blueface]

Basically the deal was that when I signed up for the new insurance provider (after we got married), they searched records and saw that I had an incident on my report or some other mumbo jumbo within the past 3 years. The situation was that I got rear ended while at a complete standstill at a stoplight. My rates are most definitely increased because of it. It even says they are. Honestly it's not even worth fighting because the 6 months are paid for, and it won't be within 3 years at the next payment date, so it'll go back to normal. For the record this is with Progressive insurance since they were the cheapest for our situation, but all providers were going to increase it because of this 'accident'.

OK,
This is not uncommon.
What happens is the new carrier sees a record of an accident. Based on that, they assume it is one they can surcharge.
If you contact your prior carrier that you had at the time, they are obligated to provide you with a letter stating outcome of that accident. If you didn't go through your own carrier and you went through that of the party that rear ended you, same thing. They have to provide you a letter indicating you were not at fault.
When you get that letter, your carrier will be obligated to reimburse you the surcharge amount.

While I work for an insurance company and am often explaining our actions that most don't understand, if I were you, I would invest the minimal time involved in getting this letter and get your money back. Better in your pocket than in theirs.

[mosesbotbol]

For that amount, don't report it to your insurance.
Not worth it.

I'd still file a police report. Since the damage is not going through insurance, your CarFax should be "accident free" when you sell it or trade it in.

[Skywalker]

Ouch!!!

That sucks!!!:mad:

[JE3146]

OK,
This is not uncommon.
What happens is the new carrier sees a record of an accident. Based on that, they assume it is one they can surcharge.
If you contact your prior carrier that you had at the time, they are obligated to provide you with a letter stating outcome of that accident. If you didn't go through your own carrier and you went through that of the party that rear ended you, same thing. They have to provide you a letter indicating you were not at fault.
When you get that letter, your carrier will be obligated to reimburse you the surcharge amount.

While I work for an insurance company and am often explaining our actions that most don't understand, if I were you, I would invest the minimal time involved in getting this letter and get your money back. Better in your pocket than in theirs.

I'll do that. Thank you!

75$ is 75$.

[shark]

Sucks that you can't prove who did it. People can be such totally spineless a-holes.


I was following some guy in a F-150 one day down a residential street. We passed by some parked cars but he didn't judge the distance very well and ended up tasking off one of the parked vehicle's outside mirrors. He kept on going like nothing happened, so I kept following him until we got to a main highway. He turned abruptly into an alley running parallel to the main highway and I stayed with him; he obviously realized that I was following him. He turned into a parking lot and I pulled up behind him, got his plate number, and got out of there in case he decided to come after me and do something (road rage). I went back to the house where the collision occurred. The owner was there looking at his car and he recognized my car, so I parked and gave him the plate number, make model, and a good description of the driver. :D Too bad back then there were no cell phone cameras (this was probably a good 12 years ago).

[DMK]

Went to a shop I've done business with before and they estimated it at $640 I think I can live with that. They said there wasnt any damage other than cosmetic. It seemed to drive fine, I had to spend 30 minutes on the highway to get to the shop, and also hit a pothole along the way so it seems to be holding up ok.

Get your hands on some Round Up and burn up $640.00 of the pricks front lawn....

[shark]

Get your hands on some Round Up and burn up $640.00 of the pricks front lawn....

Yeah, even though you don't really have proof that he did it, go ahead and vandalize the guy's property. That'll show him!:td

[s0leful0ne]

Get your hands on some Round Up and burn up $640.00 of the pricks front lawn....

Haha I scared them enough...trust me. According to the expert opinion it wasnt due to their car. If only it was that simple.

[Don Fernando]

this sucks Aldrin, glad the damage isn't worse though.

[sodomanaz]

What a crappy way to spend spring break. Glad the repairs were at least affordable for you!

[Blueface]

I believe in Karma.
Things to do go around in circles.

That neighbor likely knows who was on his driveway backing out that struck your car. The way you described things, it had to absolutely be someone coming out of that driveway given the type of impact you sustained, that was clearly not as result of a sideswipe.

$600 out of pocket sucks but I can't help but believe and trust it will come back to bite him in the rear a few times fold.