I live in New York and have Geico insurance. Someone hit my car and refused to give me their license or insurance information, which in New York is considered a hit and run.
I have their name, phone number, license plate, and photos of both cars. My question is: will my insurance waive the deductible? I have full coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage, but the deductible is more than the repair cost. What should I do?
Did you file a police report? Without one, your insurance will likely apply the deductible. They might try to recover it from the other driver’s insurance later, but filing a report is usually the first step.
@Arlo
I didn’t file one yet. Is it too late to do so now? And even if I do, does it guarantee I’ll get the deductible back?
Tarian said:
@Arlo
I didn’t file one yet. Is it too late to do so now? And even if I do, does it guarantee I’ll get the deductible back?
You can still file a police report, but paying the deductible is unavoidable upfront. The chances of getting it back depend on whether the other driver has insurance or assets. Even then, it might take a long time to recover it.
Tarian said:
@Arlo
I didn’t file one yet. Is it too late to do so now? And even if I do, does it guarantee I’ll get the deductible back?
File the report now. Honestly, when they refused to provide their insurance, that was the moment to call the police.
If you use your collision coverage, you’ll need to pay your deductible regardless of fault. In New York, uninsured motorist property damage coverage isn’t available, so the deductible applies. After paying, your insurance might try to recover the costs from the other driver.
You’ll have to pay the deductible. Fault doesn’t affect that. If the other driver’s insurance accepts responsibility, your insurance might waive or reimburse your deductible after they recover the costs.
@Charlie
So it’s basically a gamble whether I’ll get it back or not?
If your insurance covers the damages, expect to pay the deductible no matter what. That’s just the agreement you made when you chose your coverage.
How is your deductible more than the repair? Even small repairs cost a lot these days.
Leighton said:
How is your deductible more than the repair? Even small repairs cost a lot these days.
It’s a 2010 car. Just a bumper hit.
You should’ve called the police right away. If the damage is under $1,000, you might just ignore it or try to buff it out yourself.
I’ve dealt with this question so many times. The deductible isn’t about fault; it’s part of the contract. It’s the portion of the risk you agreed to cover yourself.
Uma said:
I’ve dealt with this question so many times. The deductible isn’t about fault; it’s part of the contract. It’s the portion of the risk you agreed to cover yourself.
You’re right. I just thought they’d go after the other driver to cover the cost, but I guess that’s not really their job.
@Tarian
Exactly. People assume their insurance company has the power to force the other driver to pay. They can’t even pursue it until they’ve paid your claim first.
Your deductible isn’t connected to fault at all. It’s just the amount you agreed to cover yourself when you signed up for the policy.