Please help answering my question

by wpwagon » Mon Oct 15, 2007 02:45 pm

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum and would like some help on a recent accident I had.

Two days ago around 11pm, it was raining moderately, and I was getting on the freeway to go home. On the on ramp, a small animal (didn't see what kind due to low visibility) dashed in front of my path, and instinctively I swerved trying to avoid it. Obviously the ground was wet from the rain and I spun out and collided into the protective wall on the right side of the freeway.

I was not injured, nor another person was involved during the accident. I was able to start the car and drive away safely. My car suffered moderate frontal damage estimating $2000-$3000 in damage.

I'm wondering if I should report to the insurance. I've already reported an "at-fault" accident involving another party on a separate occasion 8 months ago. Is this considered an "at-fault" incident? Will my insurance rate go up dramatically? Will the insurance company deny my coverage completely due to two accidents within one year?

Thanks for the help.

Jack

Total Comments: 7

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 05:01 pm Post Subject:

This would be an at-fault collision accident and there is a possibility that your rates would increase, especially in combination with the prior at-fault accident. There is no way to know for sure and certainly no way to know by how much. This is all determined at the time of renewal and based on information at that time. The claim won't be denied because of a prior at-fault accident.

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 05:07 pm Post Subject:

Thanks for the reply. I'm debating if it makes sense financially to repair the damage on my own without informing the insurance.

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 05:19 pm Post Subject:

Dear Wimpwgn,

2 at-fault accidents within an 8-month period will normally trigger a nonrenewal notice from the insurer, particularly if you are with a preferred carrier.

They will consider this loss a "single-car accident," and these are not the favorite of insurers. Single-vehicle wrecks commonly involve "lack of attention" by the driver scenarios, and don't take this the wrong way, but if I had a dollar for every "an animal ran out in front of me" story, I could pay off my mortgage.

I am not stating that an animal didn't run in front of you, it's just taken with a grain of salt by the insurance company, as they hear it all the time.

You are more than welcome to pay for the loss out of pocket, but you will still likely be required to file an accident report in your state. The normal "threshold" for non-reporting of an accident is typically less than $1,000 in most states. Most states require that you report ANY accident that occurs on public-access thoroughfares when the damage exceeds a certain dollar amount OR if ANY injury occurs, regardless of the dollar amount of the loss!
As a result, when you report the accident (legally required!!!) to the state, it will appear on your Motor Vehicle Rocord (MVR). If your insurer runs your MVR (normally about every 18-24 months), they will see the accident and investigate the loss.

Get ready for a rate increase, if they don't nonrenew your policy. Most carier will surcharge anywhere from 10-25% for a first at-fault within a three-year period, plus an additional 25-50% for a second at-fault within the same period.

Applying to a different carrier normally will not save you. The new insurer will run reports to verify your MVR and will usually find out about the losses from databases that are available.

Sorry 'bout this...good luck with the darn thing!

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 05:37 pm Post Subject:

Thanks InsTeacher, I understand my situation is commonly heard by the insurance company. In fact, by counting how many accidents happen each day, there isn't a scenario that the insurance company hasn't heard of.

If there is indeed an additionally 25-50% increase due to my second at-fault accident, it makes sense to repair the damage on my own. I'm in Southern California, and rates are known to be rather high.

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 04:32 pm Post Subject:

Jack,
I just got in on the tail end of this conversation, but no one has mentioned whether or not a police officer was called to the scene of your accident.
If so, a police report was filed and the accident will appear on your state Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and your insurance company will see it anyway. If not, the only way it will appear on the MVR is if you personally report the accident. Was there any "structural" damage to your car?
Your final decision would probably be based on a professional damage estimate. The $2,000 to $3,000 figure you mentioned seemed to be only cosmetic damage. With the light weight materials auto manufacturers are using today, just make sure that you don't have more damage than you actually realize.

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 07:46 pm Post Subject:

Although my Maxima was able to protect me from any injury, there is damage to the hood, bumper, driver's side headlight and fender. The car was driving straight as usual, so I don't think there is structure damage. Police report was not filed because I didn't want to endanger myself waiting on the side of the highway in middle of no where at night. I believe I am going to deal with this damage on my own.

Pity that my reaction time to avoid accidents hasn't been nearly as quick as back when I was in my 20's.

Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 04:52 am Post Subject:

wpwagon, welcome to the forum.
hope you have gotten the help that you need. enjoy posting here in the forum!

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