got in an accident, need some advice

[el_cheepo]

Hi All. I was involved in a hit and run accident and I would appreciate all your advice. The car was hit by a lady around Christmas last year. She tried to flee the scene, but was caught by me just down the road. I got all her information, and made a collision report the next day.

During that time of year, I was very busy, and put off the decision of fixing the car. I was (am) afraid of my insurance raising. I have full coverage, but I'm not really sure how they work.

Can I make a claim now? If I do, is there any chance of my insurance raising? Something like this has happened to me before, and I held off because I can't afford a raise...I can't let this happen again, as my car is full of those blue "damage reported to police" stickers.

any help appreciated.

[Kevin T]

You already reported it, it is on your insurance record, so you might as well claim it. Next time, threaten the old lady to pay up or you will report it and her insurance rates will increase for the next 6 years.

I keep quiet for all accidents (including hit & run, and even windshield damage which my comprehension covers). My family can't afford to increase of insurance because of my dad's driving record, no witness, no trace of evidence.

It's funny how we pay thousands each year, and we're scared to make a claim.

Many will tell you that non-fault insurance claims will not increase your premiums, but keep in mind that many do have a "claim-free" discount, and it is their discretion to increase your rates or not.

[TrevorK]

Your insurance won't go up if the accident in 100% not your fault.

[callous]

You're wrong about that. It can go up even if it isnt your fault.

[el_cheepo]

thanks for your replies. So I want to be clear...since I already reported it, I may as well make a claim? My insurance would have gone up already? or it may if I claim it? lol and i don't even want to get into how much insurance is a ripoff

[AudiDude]

You're wrong about that. It can go up even if it isnt your fault.

This is true, big time. If you were insuring a client and he gets rear ended while stopped at a stoplight every other month (not his fault), what would you do? First you'd increase his rates, then you'd drop him. It wasn't his fault he keeps getting hit , but so what. You couldn't afford to insure all your other customers if they had the same unfortunate accidents, so you'll have to terminate him.

[Mentos]

Your insurance won't go up if the accident in 100% not your fault.

As discussed in previous threads, it depends on the province. In Ontario, you're f'ed.

[Hellfire]

Over here, if someone hits you, and its not your fault, you get their info (don't give them your info) get some estimates done, if the damage is over a grand, report it.

Then deal directly with them and their insurance company. Most ppl will prefer to just cut you a cheque, rather than going though insurance, but if they refuse, then just deal directly with their insurance company and collect your cheque.

Your insurance won't go up because a) Your not filing a claim with your insurance company, b) You were not at fault and c) Your insurance company has no idea.

[D-3vil]

These are all perfectly valid arguments for a public insurance system in Ontario. It would be great to be paying only 10% of what I'm paying right now.

[Rehan]

As discussed in previous threads, it depends on the province. In Ontario, you're f'ed.

Not necessarily. I just did a test on www.kanetix.com with a single driver in Ontario with a single vehicle... With no accidents, quotes were given by 5 insurance providers; with one not-at-fault accident claim, quotes were given by 4 insurance providers, with the same annual premium; with two not-at-fault accident claims, there was still one provider (RBC Insurance) offering insurance and at the same premium as if there were zero or one claims.

So it also depends on the insurer.

[Big Brother]

See if you can get an external settlement - but seeing how the lady tried to flee, she's probably not trustworthy.

[actng]

You have twelve months to make a claim with your insurance company. I'm not sure when you said last christmas that was christmas 04 or christmas 03. if it's 2003, then the insurance company's first response is SOL. not sure what the legality is behind that though.

[el_cheepo]

i appreciate all the replies. i'm still confused as to whether i should file the claim. it was christmas 04 btw. is it safe to say that since i filed the collision report and if my insurance co were to raise the premium, then it would be done already? Or can they still raise it when i claim anyways... they probably will eh?

[Hellfire]

i appreciate all the replies. i'm still confused as to whether i should file the claim. it was christmas 04 btw. is it safe to say that since i filed the collision report and if my insurance co were to raise the premium, then it would be done already? Or can they still raise it when i claim anyways... they probably will eh?

File a claim with HER insurance. There shouldn't be any increase in your premiums.

[Mentos]

Not necessarily. I just did a test on www.kanetix.com with a single driver in Ontario with a single vehicle... With no accidents, quotes were given by 5 insurance providers; with one not-at-fault accident claim, quotes were given by 4 insurance providers, with the same annual premium; with two not-at-fault accident claims, there was still one provider (RBC Insurance) offering insurance and at the same premium as if there were zero or one claims.

So it also depends on the insurer.

Yea, but with RBC having the highest quote of all, which are the same for 0 to 3 not at fault claims.