Hi people I hope everyones having a great holiday season.

Well here's the story. I got rear ended over the weeked and It was really minor it was dark so I couldnt really see any damage. So I opted not to call police and I got his driver license information and the car plates. The next morning I went out to look at what damage happened, and there ended up being a little crease in the bumper. So I went and got a quote from a bodyshop and called him with the estimate and he's been giving mr the run around.

I went to the police to see if I could get a police report filed but was told that since I didn't call them at the time of the accident there's nothing I could do but take it to small claims court.

It's about 400 In damages, Is it worth going to small claims? And if I do am I getting anything out of this guy? This situation really sucks.

 

do a reverse claim through your insurance. If you have his name, liscence, and plate they should be able to find him and his insurance company

 

What he said ^

 

Thats why its always better to call the police to be safe. I was rear ended 2 days ago and instantly called the police and took pictures. Now my lower back is hurting. And since I did call the police I know I'm covered from the typical run around if I didnt call the police.

 

Sorry to hear that Roger.

 

Its all good. i wasnt in my S which makes me glad. Although I was with my gf in her TSX and it got messed up.

 

there are 3 things going against you:
1) no police report. If the police didn't respond, there's no independent third party witness report.
2) $400 isn't worth reporting the claim to your carrier over. Regardless of fault, your "loss risk" will increase, leading to a possible rate increase. Contact the guy, see if he'd be willing to work with you on it. If not, call his insurance carrier and report to them
3) If he denies hitting you, and he has no damage on his vehicle, you're SOL. Regardless of what the truth may be, if there's no damage on his car and no paint transfer, the evidence will show that it never happened, even though it did. Not that anyone's trying to screw you, but without a police report, insurance companies have to go on the evidence at hand.

Just tips from your friendly local insurance aduster

good luck!

 

Wouldn't the fact that I have his information mean anything? How would I get his information if no accident happened?

 

I know, but if he denies it, and he has no visible damage, his carrier is going to take his side. Unfortunately cases like this happen, and sometimes people are a little less than honest about it.

if he doesn't want to pony up, small claims court will be your best bet.

 

Thanks for the great advice guys. Much appreciated.