Car Insurance Claim - Different Height and Position from Door Scratch between Two Parked Cars

Hi,

I parked my car in a front end in car park spot and my passenger hopped out. It was a relatively tight spot but still able to get out (about 80-90cm).

Suddenly a young Asian guy came over and claims that our passenger door chipped his Audi.

My passenger denied it and upon closer looking the height of the scratch on his vehicle was much higher than where my passenger door would have hit although it was near the same area. He then claimed I moved the vehicle but my vehicle was parked the whole time since my passenger exited.

A witness came over to see what the fuss was about and he also agreed that it wasn’t possible although it was in the same alignment, however the small scratch was only about 3cm higher than where the door would have hit. The other car owner said when all the passengers are in the car, the position will move. But when we all sat in the car the position of the scratch was even further away as our car was lower. Either way, we got the witness contact details.

My car is black and the Audi is white. The scratch had no color just a small chip, there was no scratch or dent on my passenger door.

Later on I received an insurance claim from his company.

I don’t understand why he would send it despite there being no evidence of scratch, unless my car would have been a higher position (if my tyres are warm the car will it be 3cm higher in timeframe of a few minutes to five).

Either way a little surprised he actually sent it through, unless there’s some sneaky way to put the blame on us. But still, there was a witness who saw that the dent was not in the proper position if there door was to hit.

TLDR: Other person claims my passenger door bumped into his vehicle, however dents/scratch do not align to same height. Witness there to agree spots are different, although only a few centimeters in distance. However a claim was lodged.

If he is in the fault for a fraudelent claim, what will the insurance company do to him?

Comments

  • To be honest, I think that he genuinely believes that your passenger chipped his door. He might be trying to (knowingly) pull a dodgy on you guys, but from the story, it doesn't sound like he would have any incentive to. Think about it from his point of view. Let's say that he knew there was a scratch there beforehand. What do you think he's doing? Parking and just loitering around waiting for the one specific time when someone happens to be in a position where they might be able to hit his car? That just doesn't seem very logical to me.

    Therefore, it's either one of two situations - your passenger did bump his car, or the scratch was already there, but he wasn't aware of it until he looked more closely after thinking your passenger bumped it.

    Either way, this is a civil matter, it will end up in court if you don't respond. Get a lawyer. Almost definitely he will not have the evidence to say you did it.

    • +2

      I don’t think OP needs a lawyer just yet. He can write a letter refuting the claim and have the 3rd party witness details.

    • OP doesn't need a lawyer, it will not end up in court. that's what insurance for, contact your insurance they will take care of it.

      • that's what insurance for, contact your insurance they will take care of it.

        Imo a bad idea.

        Insurance may just pay out such a small damage and charge OP the excess.

        They might even make a few dollars.

  • +1

    Not much fun without photos I don't get to play with my crayons.

  • +4

    MS Paint illustration, you know the rules

  • +2

    I don't understand what his ethnicity has to do with your story.

    • Exactly what I was going to say.. It falls into the "I'm not racist but…"

    • +2

      Nothing really, just seems like a descriptor. I don't think his age, sex or the brand of his car is particularly relevant either, but does it really matter?

    • +4

      Obviously the other car owner had instantly calculated what the cost of the repair would be amortized over 5 years at 7% interest with a 30% balloon payment, etc because he is good at math. DUH!

    • +1

      I don't understand what his ethnicity has to do with your story.

      op is telling their version of the event with what they consider to be facts. there is nothing wrong with that.

  • Later on I received an insurance claim from his company.

    How much was the claim for? Was there a breakdown of costs?

  • Suddenly a young Asian guy came over and claims that our passenger door chipped his Audi.

    What ethnicity are you? What make is your car?

  • +2

    Of course you took photos right?

  • Might have been caused by the car that was in your spot before you. Doubt anything would come of this as there is not enough proof and no admission.

    This is one of the reasons why taking tight parking spots can end up sour.

  • Speak to your insurance company. Find out what they have to say on the matter and go from there.

    Is this the vehicle from the petrol station of another one?

  • Respond and say it's not you. Not your responsibility to proove your innocence.

    Should be a one liner letter.

  • Does anyone else read these OzB posts in their head with a broken English accent?

    Anyways I think you will be fine, this person sounds opportunistic and you have a witness on your side which helps you!

  • Suddenly a young Asian guy came over

    Ninja!

    • Cue battle music.

  • Suddenly a young Asian guy came over and claims that our passenger door chipped his Audi.

    why did you exchange particulars with the other party?

  • Update: Claim closed against me

    • Hope the guy enjoys his $900 excess

    • As in they dropped it? Great result.

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