So about 10 days ago, someone hit my parked car. It was my brand new car with under 3500 miles. The person ran away, but I got their plate number, and I found out they’re insured. I filed a claim with their insurance right away that Saturday night. Fast forward to Tuesday, the adjuster from their insurance called and asked some questions. He said the at-fault driver hadn’t reported the accident yet, and they were waiting on him. It’s been a week, and I haven’t heard back after leaving a voicemail. I’m also planning to file a diminished value claim. I’m leaving for vacation in 9 days… What should I do?
If you’re making a claim with their insurance, you’ll have to wait for them to finish their investigation. This includes speaking with the person who hit you, and that might take a while. If you don’t want to wait, you can use your own insurance. Not sure how your diminished value claim fits into this, but good luck with that too.
@Zane
I want to add, if the other driver refuses to cooperate, their insurance may deny your claim. If you want things to move faster, consider filing with your own insurance. They can fix your car and then handle the rest with the other insurance.
@Wren
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I’m worried the other driver won’t talk to his insurance. He probably won’t even go to court for the hit-and-run. I appreciate everyone’s input.
Isle said:
@Wren
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I’m worried the other driver won’t talk to his insurance. He probably won’t even go to court for the hit-and-run. I appreciate everyone’s input.
Just because they can’t reach the other driver doesn’t mean they will automatically deny the claim. If their insurance can’t contact them, they may find another way to resolve it, though it’s easier if they speak to them. If you’re not hearing back, you could file a complaint with the department of insurance. That will make them act faster and explain why they might deny the claim. But if they’re under investigation, they’ll be careful not to do anything shady. If your car is still drivable, it might be worth using their insurance to avoid paying out-of-pocket through your own insurance.
@Zane
Thank you so much. This is pretty much the answer I was looking for. I don’t want to use my own insurance to avoid any issues like you mentioned. My car is drivable; it just needs a new rear bumper. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
If you go through the other driver’s insurance, you will likely face long delays. I’d recommend going through your own insurance and letting them deal with the other insurer. You’ll be less stressed this way.
Did you file a police report? If not, you should. Make sure to provide them with the video. Having the police involved could speed up the process. They might even cite the other driver for leaving the scene.
@Zion
The police actually came because someone witnessed it. I didn’t file one myself, but I got a copy of the report number. Should I file my own report too? Both his insurance and mine have the report number.
@Isle
You should ask them if they’re going to cite the driver or if you can press charges. I assume you have full coverage. Just give everything to your insurance, and let them handle it. They’ll probably fix your car and go after the other insurance for reimbursement.
@Zion
They cited him, and he has a court date. I do have full coverage. I guess that’s the best way to handle it. I just didn’t want to pay the $500 deductible, but I guess I’ll have to and eventually get it back.
@Isle
Yes, your insurance company should get that back for you.
File through your own insurance.
They don’t owe you anything right now. They have to speak to the other driver. You can either wait for them to resolve it or file your own claim and pursue diminished value once repairs are done.