Dealing With At Fault Car Accident

Lkoka on 09/06/2016 - 19:04
Last edited 11/06/2016 - 14:32 by 1 other user

Hey, I got in car incident, i just touch a guy from behind when i was turning left with like 5-10km\h and have no scratch or damage whatsoever on my car, but he says i damaged his bumper bar and i just saw that he had only small lines from the painting like its peeling off and he contacted his insurance and they tried to contact me today, any advices how to deal with it? I will pay for the damage i have done just don't want to get ripped off for something i haven't done..Help please

Update: I just talked to the guy if he wants to get his car to a panel beater I know and to get it fixed without going through insurance and before he accepted he said If I could just give him money for his excess and he to go through insurance.. But we agreed to take the car to the panel beater

Automotive

Comments

  • nocure on 09/06/2016 - 19:06
    +2

    photos ?

    • supnigs super skids on 09/06/2016 - 19:11

      This! Did you take any?

    • koka on 09/06/2016 - 19:13

      I didn't, but he sent me some after when I asked for..damn

    • KaTst3R on 09/06/2016 - 20:10
      +6

      you kissed someone's butt and it didnt occur to you to take your own pictures in case of any claim?

  • the-mal on 09/06/2016 - 19:16
    +4

    In all honesty if there was ANY damage to the other cars bumper (doesn't matter how tiny) they'll replace/respray the bumper. They're plastic and one piece.

    To get an estimate for what to expect google the model of the car and "rear bumper replacement cost".

    Hopefully you took pictures after the accident of his damage and your lack of damage. Either way just take the call from his insurer, they'll work with you as long as you work with them. In the end you were at fault so not much you can do.

    • koka on 09/06/2016 - 19:20

      Googled it and it's 2000-2500 replacement cost, would they agree on monthly payments or something, I just want to be prepared before I talk with them

      • PVA on 09/06/2016 - 19:39
        +3

        if its that much just go through your insurance company.

      • spackbace on 09/06/2016 - 19:50

        You can normally negotiate it down, or you negotiate it once they send the amount to a debt collector.

      • the-mal on 09/06/2016 - 20:00
        +1

        Yes, they'll work with you. But first ask them to provide a detailed quote so you can read the damage and repairs. You'll then be given time to pay and if the time frame is a problem you can ask for a payment schedule.

        As long as you're honest and reasonable they'll be reasonable too.

      • kimmylala on 10/06/2016 - 09:13

        Depends how much damage you cause, it may just be the rear bumper cover that needs replacement which is much cheaper =))

      • rayski57 on 10/06/2016 - 20:57

        Don't use panel beaters they will replace with a reconditioned bumper cover then respray = lots of $$$.
        I used to be involved with car dealerships and they regularly get bumpers repaired/resprayed onsite and it's a small fraction of doing it through a panel beater.
        Look in your local paper for an onsite paint repairer like Paint Wizard (but not them they're too expensive)

  • Amaris on 09/06/2016 - 20:49

    What about organising a mobile touch up guy. Once was quoted $150/- to paint a corner of a bumper.

    • Findo on 09/06/2016 - 21:25
      +22

      The guy OP hit has every right to go through his insurance. It's his right to demand a thorough repair, not a repair that suits your hip pocket. If someone hits you, you have the right to demand the same.

        • Findo on 09/06/2016 - 22:34
          +5

          Someone ran up my dad's towbar last year - to the naked eye, there wasn't any damage at all. There was more damage done to the other guy's car. But nonetheless it was taken in for assessment. The guy you hit has that right too.

        • ykwon10 on 10/06/2016 - 08:31
          +5

          Be it a hit or merely a hit, the guy has every right to go through his insurance.

        • c0balt on 10/06/2016 - 13:13
          +4

          I ran into the back of someone once at less than 10kmh. I was checking out some girls at a stop light being a few cars behind, the light turned green and I let go of my brake and rolled into the car infront of me.

          They too were looking at the girls and hadn't seen the green light.

          My bonnet was bent, my numberplate mangledand my bumper had striations from where the plastic flexed.

          The other persons's car got off with some very faint scratches and a slightly warped numberplate.

        • cameldownunder on 10/06/2016 - 15:17
          +2

          I crashed into a Volvo once.
          Me: Radiator, gone, While Side panel, gone, Bumper, gone.
          Volvo: 1 scratch.
          So I guess the other way round works too.

        • aussieprepper on 11/06/2016 - 17:40
          -2

          @c0balt: where they at least hot?

  • Banana on 09/06/2016 - 21:57

    Damn! I almost though you were the guy I hit today. I got into a similar accident today as well, learner driver slammed on brake to give way for a car trying to turn right on the left lane and I unfortunately rear-ended her. No damage on my vehicle, dent in her bumper which looked like you could just pop it back out. But apparently the boot doesnt close anymore and it would cost well over 1k for repairment. My excess is 1.5k, will see if the quote comes up to be more than that. The father is also insisting on going to their preferred repairing center :( expensive lesson

    • Banana on 10/06/2016 - 21:21

      Well guess what..apparently it will cost more than 4k for repair. The car only costs around 4k..

  • koka on 09/06/2016 - 22:27

    Update: I just talked to the guy if he wants to get his car to a panel beater I know and to get it fixed without going through insurance and before he accepted he said If I could just give him money for his excess and he to go through insurance.. But we agreed to take the car to the panel beater

    • Banana on 09/06/2016 - 22:38

      At least he is easy going…

    • aladdin on 09/06/2016 - 22:48
      +2

      Dont pay him. He wont get charge excess if he is not at fault. Save it for your excess.

      • smartazz104 on 10/06/2016 - 08:21
        +14

        Why do I get the feeling OP isn't insured…

      • zeomega on 10/06/2016 - 08:23

        This!. Unless he signs formally that payment clears you of all current and future liabilites as a result of the accident.

        You need a much information as possible on the document, his driver's lisc details etc. Once he signs the document, pay him via EFT or cheque (proof of payment).

      • the-mal on 10/06/2016 - 14:52

        He wont get charge excess if he is not at fault

        He will if he doesn't identify the at fault party, which is what I'd say he was offering (so he'll say he didn't see who hit him, he pays his own excess and gets the repair done). It's a very generous and maybe not very considered offer considering it'll make his premiums go up in coming years.

        And from all replies so far it's kind of implied that OP has no insurance, otherwise there wouldn't be a fuss over repair costs.

        • dasher86 on 10/06/2016 - 15:03

          if he actually claims…

        • the-mal on 10/06/2016 - 15:53
          +2

          @dasher86: That's his prerogative. The cost of repairing the bumper will be more than the excess though, so if he doesn't claim and just pockets the cash he's lost out (value of the car is now less and no way of recovering cost of repair).

          A lot of people don't want the hassle of dealing with insurance for tiny love taps. All OP would have to do in this scenario is get a written signed and dated note that said "this payment is agreed adequate and complete compensation for the car incident on x/x/xx between Mr X and Mr Y".

        • dasher86 on 10/06/2016 - 16:12

          @the-mal:
          Well it depends on how, when and if he is planning to repair the bumper.
          If he is keeping the car for the foreseeable future he may not even choose to repair it. The value of the car is only realised when the vehicle is sold.
          It's a bumper you're going scrape it in the long haul anyway. If it's just paint work i wouldn't bother until i wanted to sell the car and then i'll just do a touch up rather than a replacement.

    • PVA on 10/06/2016 - 10:05

      If it isn't his fault he wouldn't be paying excess.

      • Findo on 10/06/2016 - 10:33

        I imagine OP isn't insured, so is trying to get the other party to claim as if it wad their own fault

  • aladdin on 09/06/2016 - 22:51
    +1

    Wait for his insurance company send you the repair quote then call your insurance company to lodge a claim. Prepair to pay excess if damage more than your excess. Done.

  • orourke on 09/06/2016 - 23:20
    +1

    Dude, if he goes through his insurance and you do as he suggests, and pay his excess, then in addition to paying his excess, his insurer is going to come after you for the full cost of the repair (including the excess that you already paid).

  • zappy32 on 10/06/2016 - 04:18

    What sort of car is it?

    What I imagine is he's going to come back to you with a price, you decide to pay it or go through the insurer and if it's an older car he will just keep the cash and won't bother repairing. Not that there's anything wrong with that and you've devalued his car but just make sure you get something in writing, it doesn't have to be from a lawyer just a written note that says "we have agreed to resolve the damage done to car xxx by xxx pay xxx $xx". Also, keep in mind if it is an older car they would probably prefer the money then getting it fixed so feel free to negotiate.

  • TransportPosters on 10/06/2016 - 08:26

    Keep in mind also that although there may be little visible damage, the bumper panel can be bumped and come out of alignment, leading to noticeable uneven panel gaps around the boot lid and tail lights. This happened to me - the damage to the rear was just a tiny spot around the size of a 10 cent coin but the push had knocked the bumper out of line. Once I saw it, I hated the way it looked and wanted it put back to how it was. Check your front for a similar issue.

  • victorheaven on 10/06/2016 - 09:08
    +4

    Important question here: Do you have an insurance? Comprehensive or Third Party?

    The other driver has every right to get this fixed thoroughly, not some potentially "dodgy" panel beater that "you know". I know if I was him, I won't agree to doing that.

    • c0balt on 10/06/2016 - 13:09
      +1

      Everything OP has wrote indicates that doesn't have insurance.

      He was comfortable paying $2500 for a bumper in one of his posts. That's more than I know some insurance companies will allow a variable excess to be set at.

  • pantsparty on 10/06/2016 - 09:48
    +1

    I would just let it go through my insurance. I pay for insurance for a reason.

  • PVA on 10/06/2016 - 10:11
    +2

    I will be honest, if I got hit I would be going through my insurance.
    A tiny scratch can still be expensive.
    A while back I had a civic, reversed in to a garden wall and did a scratch. I didn't worry about it. Years later someone crashed into the back, the other corner.
    Talking to the panel beater he said, did you have an accident on the right as the bumper metal work underneath was rusty and damaged.
    Could be the same in this instance.

  • dealhunting007 on 10/06/2016 - 10:56

    Always take the pictures if accident does not matter what other person says or commit. keep your side safe. And yes better go through insurance if you have and explain them the situation.

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 10/06/2016 - 10:58

    the old looking at oncoming traffic and not looking infront of you.

  • c0balt on 10/06/2016 - 13:05
    +2

    If you drive without insurance you deserved to be ripped off when it comes to paying for damage that you cause.

    If the driver the OP hit has comprehensive insurance - then that driver would be an idiot to bend to the OP's request that this be done outside insurance. The driver should just tell his insurance company what happened and have their insurance company deal with the OP. That's half of what people pay insurance companies for, to deal with this crap.

    The OP is very lucky to have found someone as stupid as him, there are 2 idiots here.

    • huydn on 11/06/2016 - 15:48
      -1

      Ripped off how? So if you have insurance you pay excess anyway. It's a gamble really. If the damage you cause is worth more than the excess then you go through insurance right? But sometimes that will make your premiums go up. If it's a small amount you pay it yourself. It's a win-win for the insurance companies. They are there to make a profit not do charities. Idk why people on here have not heard of self-insurance. I swear I've seen a thread on here about it and lots of people here say they do that.

      If you're uninsured, their insurer will try to recover as much as they can get from you, not everything. You can, and I certainly did before, negotiate to pay a reasonable amount. They high-ball and you low-ball. If you have insurance, this is exactly what they will do as well. And guess what? They have your premiums and your fixed excess(es) to cover their cost already.

      • c0balt on 12/06/2016 - 11:01

        Look, down below you wrote that you didn't even understand what 3rd party insurance is, or how insurance premiums and excess work.

        If you didn't understand those very basic concepts, then I can see how you would disagree with my statements, but maybe you have changed that tune since learning what 3rd party insurance is.

        I once was hit into by someone who shared views such as yourself, at a time when I only had 3rd party insurance (damaged caused to my car wasn't covered). So I started getting some quotes to fix my car and presented them to the guy who crashed into me. After getting screwed around trying to get $4k to fix my car from the guy who crashed into me, I had to pay solicitor to start a small claims court case.

        In the end I got the highest amount for the quotes I put in, and the solicitor was able to get costs for himself also.

        The fool ended up $6k+ out of pocket when he knocked me back when I asked for $4k. Had that worm had insurance, he would have saved thousands and thousands, and countless hours of everyone's time.

        Now that you have been told by others what 3rd party insurance is, do you still think there is any excuse to drive without insurance? Do you still think it's a smart idea to 'self insure' yourself again crashing into a luxury car? Are you aware that in certain states (such as NSW) it's illegal to drive without at least 3rd party insurance?

        That's why I said if you drive without at least 3rd party insurance you deserved to be ripped off, because by the very nature of what you described as 'highballing and lowballing repair costs', that you are putting the person who you crashed into into more grief. It's a prick of a thing to do, and you deserve to be ripped off if that's the path you chose to take with your described 'self insurance'.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2016 - 14:08

    I had this exact same problem - however his car had no damage and mine did.

    I get out of my car - take photos of his car rear bumper showing no damage.

    We have a brief discussion he tells me that damage could have been caused "underneath" the bumper to the chassis. I tell him I barely tapped him and that if any damage was caused to the chassis his bumper would be smashed right in.

    He rings me a week later and says he took the car to his dad's workshop and they said that it will cost $600 to fix and he asked me to pay them directly.

    I told him - if he wants the bumper fixed - I'll fix it for him myself (with whatever panel beater) and get is properly assessed.

    He then says if I don't give him $600 he'll just go through insurance. I told him I was willing to fix his bumper if he thought I caused any damage to it - but now that he's trying to twist my arm for $600 - that I won't be fixing anything anymore and that if his insurance rings me I'll tell them I did no damage.

    Sure enough 2 weeks later his insurance rings me and asks what happened - I tell her I tapped his car but caused no damage and have photos and a witness to prove it. I also add "And the guy had a lot of other damage to other parts of the car I'm not sure if he reported it to you" and that he tried to get $600 from me without going through insurance as a bonus.

    Sent the girl the pictures from the day clearly showing no damage and never heard from him or the insurance company again.

    • Ughhh on 10/06/2016 - 14:27
      +2

      My aunty was tapped on her back once, it looked like no serious damage was done, only a scratch. But a from a professional such as a panel beater, they could see it was more serious than what we could see. At certain angles you can see it's no longer aligned and flat. So unless your experienced, you can't confidently say you didn't cause any damage.

      • c0balt on 10/06/2016 - 15:22

        Further to that, even if you are experienced you won't say there isn't any damage until you do a proper assessment - not just getting out the car having a quick look, grabbing a few photos and leaving it at that.

      • cameldownunder on 10/06/2016 - 15:24
        +2

        Those panel beater where you show the car with no visible damage, they ask you if you are insured, and if it is your fault, and then they come up with some crazy non visible damage to parts that are hidden and only visible with some crazy tool.
        They do nothing and charge the insurance an eye.

        • Mrgreenz on 10/06/2016 - 23:21

          My partener got done like this, nudged some `04 camry or the like, no visible damage or scratches. Sure enough the inside of the bumper was totalled though when assesed by a panel beater.

          End of the day if you touch another car your at their mercy pretty much

      • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2016 - 15:29
        -2

        @Ughhh

        Firstly, why did you neg me? I simply told my story I wasn't siding with anyone.

        Secondly, I never said I did or did not cause any underlying damage. Externally / cosmetically I didn't (unlike the person who tapped your Aunty) and I even offered to take the car to the panel beater and have it assessed.

        You totally missed the point here - the guy was asking for money without going through insurance. I was prepared to fix his bumper but he was more interested in getting paid than an actual fix.

        The fact that him and his insurer didn't pursue the matter further only proves that it is highly likely no damage would have been found through any kind of assessment.

        So unless your experienced, you can't confidently say you didn't cause any damage.

        Also it's "you're" not "your" see HERE

        • Ughhh on 10/06/2016 - 16:37

          Gee you're a sensitive one. Firstly, I did not neg you, thank you for your assumption. Here's proof. I have revoked the plus, because I dont have a reason to plus it.

          Secondly, I never accused you causing any damage or not, nor did I accuse you of bad character. I don't care whether you offered the guy money or not, that was not my point. My point was simple and I'll kindly repeat it for you: unless you are experienced in this field and/or have the tools to properly asses the damage/area of collision, you can not be confident that there was no damage caused. In addition to that, I don't recall photos being 3D.

          Thirdly, yes I know my 'your and you're', but my phones swyping is a little dodgy sometimes. You should be more concerned with your comprehension skill rather than my 'your and you're'.

  • plasmoske on 10/06/2016 - 15:23
    +5

    Talk to your insurance company….

    That's if you have one…..

    Seriously man. If you can't afford car insurance, then you shouldn't be driving.

    Same as traveling overseas. If you can't afford travel insurance, then you shouldn't be traveling.

    • huydn on 11/06/2016 - 15:21
      -2

      Are you talking about comprehensive or 3rd party insurance? A bit harsh for the people under 25 (especially males, if I heard correctly they pay more?) don't you think? I've seen premiums that are worth more than the value of the car…

      • plasmoske on 11/06/2016 - 15:39
        +1

        Any insurance is good as long as you got insurance.

        Even 3rd party insurance is good enough to cover your arse. And they're not that expensive.

        If you think 3rd party insurance is expensive… then you shouldn't be driving!

        Imagine being a under 25, driving and damaging a Lamborghini (while being at fault and having no insurance).

        You're now screwed for life.

        • huydn on 11/06/2016 - 16:08
          -2

          Well I agree 3rd party insurance is the bare minimum. But this is damage to other cars, they don't cover that for you if I understand correctly…

        • plasmoske on 11/06/2016 - 16:28
          +1

          @huydn:

          Well 3rd party would cover OP's problem. Says his car has no damage.

          And Insurance would cover the 2000-2500 bill for the guy he hit.

        • huydn on 11/06/2016 - 16:42
          -2

          @plasmoske: Really? Which company does that for a 3rd party policy? If so how much is the premium :O Link please I'm curious to know.

        • andyken on 11/06/2016 - 16:50
          +2

          @huydn: that is the point of 3rd party insurance, insurance only cover the other party, not yours, so in this case the insurance will pay other party. OP only need to pay the excess. Any car insurance will do

        • plasmoske on 11/06/2016 - 17:17
          +1

          @huydn:

          That's exactly what 3rd party insurance is man.

        • Serapis on 11/06/2016 - 18:41
          +1

          @huydn: You're getting mixed up between green slip and 3rd party property insurance

  • eneloop on 11/06/2016 - 00:06

    Take to panel better

  • ChickenTalon on 11/06/2016 - 00:37
    +2

    I've been rear ended. Initially looked like even less damage than the op described. However, once the rear bumber was removed the damage was very extensive.

    Mushed the exhausted and the radiator plus a few other bits (rear engine car). Was over 10k to fix. But you'd be hard pressed to have seen any damage from a breif inspection by the side of the road. I almost waved it off, luky for me I didn't and I went through my insurance.

    • c0balt on 11/06/2016 - 13:57

      Rear engine + plastic rear bumper + 10k to fix radiator & exhaust = Porche, right?

    • Serapis on 11/06/2016 - 18:43

      Edit*** soz, rear engine car

  • Azn310 on 11/06/2016 - 21:43

    IF the damage is not major, what i normally do is talk to the buyer see if he accept cash, usually half of my excess, so that ll be $300. Sign a paper saying i ve paid for his damage and we are done. Win- win for both parties.

    IF i was the person get hit from behind, i would check my spare wheel well to see if the impact is there (because it is costly to fix, and it means damage is major). Impacts on bumpers i'd take cash. I drive an old car.

  • lostn on 12/06/2016 - 17:28

    Didn't read responses but he is dumb if he takes just the money for the excess. That will count as an at fault claim on his part and also raise his premiums. Since he's not at fault, he shouldn't be paying any excess.

    It could mean that there is prior damage that he is claiming for repairs and has to pay the excess on.

  • koka on 14/06/2016 - 18:26

    I am insured on as second driver on my dads name, can i just tell my insurance company to deal with theirs but all cost to go thru me or something like that? is that possible?

    • lostn on 14/06/2016 - 22:28
      -1

      They can, but it will count as an at fault claim. This will affect your premium come renewal time. If the repair cost is less than your excess fee (which in your case might be big depending on your age), you will only be charged for the repair cost. If it exceeds the excess, you will only pay the excess. In this case, may as well let them repair your car too (have them check it out, even though you say there's no visible damage) as it won't cost you anything more.

      I'd just ask the other party to get you a quote, and then write them a cheque.

      • c0balt on 15/06/2016 - 07:33

        He already admitted fault and that the damage was 2000-2500 for the bumper.

        Now you are telling the OP he should continue to screw around the guy he hit into, great advice there.

    • c0balt on 15/06/2016 - 07:35

      Yes, that is exactly what insurance companies are for, and is exactly what you should do.

      You pay your excess, he gets his car fixed. Simple.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join