Backed into a pole

by Guest » Sat Jul 30, 2011 06:03 am
Guest

Hi there,

I backed into a pole a few weeks ago, but haven't reported yet to my insurance company. I wanted to get a few estimates before reporting. However my estimates I have received are larger than my deductible. If I do report to my insurance, will they want a police report? I really didn't think that I needed to report to the police, but now I am nervous that I didn't? I didn't cause any damange to the pole, but would this be considered a hit and run? Will the insurance company even investigate it to that degree? I would rather just pay out of pocket than to deal with the headache of worrying about it. Thank you.

Total Comments: 8

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 07:03 am Post Subject:

If it's a minor fender bender then I don't see you landing up in any trouble. If it costs less to get things repaired, then you may pay it out-of-pocket. It won't have any chance of affecting your premiums even.

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 01:34 pm Post Subject: Re:Hit a pole

The estimates show that the repairs are going to be more than my deductible. That is why I was considering to report to my insurance. But again, are they going to want a police report? Will I be in trouble for not reporting to the police that I hit a pole? Thank you!

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 02:18 pm Post Subject:

They will ask if a police report was filed. I'd tell them no. They probably won't care. Just explain that the pole was not damaged.

What I can say is I'd had _plenty_ of claims where the person _said_ what they hit was not damaged when actually it was... in some cases, extensively. I'm guessing it was a large cement post or a metal pole and nothing will become of it. As long as it does not sound "odd" when you report it, they probably won't care much.

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 04:59 pm Post Subject: Re:Hit a pole

There was no damage..I just don't want to get charged with a hit and run, or leaving the scene of an accident? Will the insurance company ask me to report it to the police after the fact? Will they want to see the pole, location, time of day, ect? Sorry, just a worry wart! Am I also able to call my insurance company and ask them these questions before filing an actual claim with them? Thank you so much

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 07:41 pm Post Subject:

I don't think I've ever seen a policy require that a police report be filed for anything other then theft, vandalism and UM coverage.

I've handled thousands of claims where the person never filed a police report. I never batted an eye.

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 04:14 pm Post Subject:

Well, Thank you for your response. I actually talked to the manager of the hotel where I hit the pole. He was very nice, and said I didn't need to worry, and they could call him if needed. Once last question...is it too late to file a claim now? It happened over a week ago. Thank you!

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 05:48 pm Post Subject:

Its a little unusual that someone would wait that long but it should not be an issue.

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 07:13 pm Post Subject:

Just was getting estimates around town which took some time. Thanks again.

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