Auto Insurance claim process, Texas?

In: Automotive Insurance

5 May 2010




Ok, We were at a complete stop at a red light about to make a right hand turn when a lady hit is from behind. All it did was crack our bumper a little but we are about to take it to our dealership to see if there was any additional damage. It was the other driver’s fault. We exchanged insurance information and took pictures. No officer report was filled because the 911 agent said a officer is not needed unless someone is injured, the vehicle are not movable, or one of the parties is failing to provide information. None of these criteria was met so an officer was not sent to the scene.

My question is if we report this to our insurance company to repair any damages, would this make our insurance premium go up?
Would we have to still pay our deductible for any repairs?
Or would the other driver be responsible for all or any payments for repairs?

This is our first accident / fender-bender and like I said the damage doesn’t look too bad, just a crack in the bumper and a bent up license plate.
We have a 07 Toyota Yaris (still making payments) and our insurance is full coverage threw Nationwide. We live in Texas.

I just would like to know how this process would work if we make a claim to our auto insurance company to try to get repairs. If we don’t have to pay any “out of pocket” expenses then yes, we want it repaired. But me and my wife are not sure if our premium will go up or if we will have to pay our deductible for repairs even though it was not our fault and we got hit from behind while at a complete stop.

Thank you to everyone that answers, I will be choosing a best answer.

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3 Responses to Auto Insurance claim process, Texas?

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Sandy

May 5th, 2010 at 5:27 pm

The other person’s insurance should cover all of your expenses and your insurance rates should NOT go up.

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Luna & Lawnboy

May 5th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

It is unlikely your insurance rates will go up since you were not at fault for the accident. Just because you report and file a claim, does not automatically increase your rates. Depending on the wording of your policy, your insurance company may waive your deductible. In MA for example, if you are 50% or less at fault for an accident, and the other party can be identified, your deductible is waived.

If your insurance applies the deductible, they will subrogate for what they paid out and your deductible. You will get it back eventually.

You can always report the claim as a records only claim with your own insurer so they have the matter on record. Then file a direct claim against the other party. They will pay you for the damage to your vehicle, and no deductible applies.

If you have an agent, the agent can handle this for you.

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David W

May 5th, 2010 at 6:09 pm

The other driver’s insurance company should take care of your repairs and a rental while your car is in the shop. Many companies have “deals” with reputable shops to do the repairs at the company’s estimate; her company should tell you if that’s the case; otherwise, they’ll estimate the damage, cut a check to you, and let you go wherever you want for repairs. The rental should be billed direct to the company, and you shouldn’t be out of pocket for anything.

If the other company drags its feet, you can go through your collision with Nationwide, but you’ll have to foot the decuctible. Nationwide will then try to collect from the other driver’s insurance and should reimburse your deductible. You don’t say who the other company is, so I can’t say what to expect, but overall you should have little or no trouble other than some inconvenience.

Your rates should not go up, as this accident wasn’t your fault.

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