Hit and Run & No Collision Policy

[ZeroChalk]

My GF is in a tough bind. Yesterday while she was at my parents for Sunday night dinner she came out to find someone had hit her car while it was parked on the street. Because of the cost of the vehicle and the age, she decided to drop 'collision' from her car insurance policy. Because no one came forward to take responsibility for the damage, the damage is not covered by her insurance policy.

My opinion is that a person visting my neighbour across the street backed in to the car. The damage looked like it came from a SUV as the damage was quite high and destroyed the driver side front bumper and the driver side headlight completely. The accident was reported to police last night, and this morning she took the car in to the collision reporting centre. Police were too busy last night to drop by and pay a visit.

The car is off to the mechanic to evaluate the damages but my gf doesn't really have the money right now to fix the vehicle. With the pictures (photos to be posted in the evening) can we accuse the neighbour that his visitor was responsible? My GF recalls seeing a silver SUV vehicle in the driveway when she parked the car and I know that vehicle parks there from time to time. I'm sure if the police did an investigation they would find reciprocal damage on the vehicle.

On the flip side the neighbour is really nice. Bringing flowers when one of my parent's was in the hospital and looking after my parent's house when they are on vacation.

What to do.

[JrCanuck]

Ask the neighbour about it, or wait until the next time you see said SUV and take a gander at the rear bumper.

[XTOTHEL]

Yea, decide when you have real evidence. There was a similar thread where a tenant's car got swiped by a landlord, landlord denied it, his insurance covered it.

But since your gf's insurance doesn't have collision...SOL?

EDIT:

Instead of going to a collision centre, see if you can pick up some parts from the wreckers, especially lights and bumpers. Could save a few bones.

[Lmmorden]

Do nothing... Why raise tension between you and your neighbour based on speculation.

[iiliu]

If you've got no proof I don't see how this would benefit you. Hit and run is the worst... usually ends up being out of pocket unless you are willing to touch insurance (and in this case, doesn't seem like you can either). Really sorry to hear but I'm not sure there's much you can do :(

[jeffjones]

Ask the neighbour about it, or wait until the next time you see said SUV and take a gander at the rear bumper.

+1

If the vehicle is there fairly often then I would wait and check out the bumper.
If it isn't usually there, (And there is evidence of silver paint or something) I would ask the neighbor if they saw anyone back into the car as you want to give the person a chance to own up to it before you have to report it as a hit and run to the police and ask her to ask the visitor if they might have done it accidentally. (The scare value is present to make someone come forward if it was them and you don't have to point the finger at anyone directly)

[FoXy]

Sadly, if someone was going to admit to this they already would have. In this case you are probably SOL. If it were a friend of the neighbor, they MAY have told the neighbor but probably not. But I would tell the neighbor anyway. Maybe if they are as nice as you say they will confront the person themself. I mean there are only so many ways a parked car can get hit on the street. Somoene backing out, or a drunk person lol

Ergo, if it was someone backing out, based on where the car was parked, you SHOULD be able to tell where the vehicle that DID the backing was originally parked.

[peterm15]

Just ask the neighbor if they saw anything. Without accusations. It very well could have been someone just using their driveway for a turn around point.

[Noisy Crow]

Just ask the neighbor if they saw anything. Without accusations. It very well could have been someone just using their driveway for a turn around point.


Hmmmm.... maybe better to start with, "Hey, I'd like to ask about my car getting hit yesterday" and see how they respond. If you ask if they saw anything and their initial response is "no" then they probably won't later admit fault even if they were responsible.

[CloudPump]

OAP 1

Section 5.2.3
Claims for Certain Property Damage.

We will pay for damage to and for loss of use of the automobile or its contents, or to both, that you or other insured persons have a legal right to recover from the identified owner or driver of an uninsured automobile in an accident involving an automobile. Subject to the $300 deductible, we will pay up to $25,000

Note: Damage to the automobile caused by an unidentified automobile is not covered under this Section, but optional Loss or Damage Coverages may be available.


Mumbo-jumbo aside: If you can't identify the motorist, you're boned.

All hit-and-run accidents are NAF.

-Geoff

[peterm15]

All hit-and-run accidents are NAF.

Hold on what?
I'm sure you are correct but that just doesn't seem right.

Seems like a rule change or added option is needed in insurance policies.

[ZeroChalk]

http://imageshack.com/a/img834/6343/hcu1.jpg

Front Shot - she parked as close as possible to the curb.

http://imageshack.com/a/img845/8941/f0vj.jpg

Side angle - shows the brunt of the impact.

http://imageshack.com/a/img809/9315/acty.jpg

Close up - her car is dirty.

http://imageshack.com/a/img543/1576/0k7y.jpg

neighbor one

http://imageshack.com/a/img809/863/avp5.jpg

neighbor two

http://imageshack.com/a/img513/5259/zd33.jpg

in the garage

[ZeroChalk]

She took it to the mechanic and preliminary inspection is about $1500. The bar in front of the radiator (?) is apparently bent too. This is second hand information from my GF.

Really appreciate all the advice and support so far! I will make the suggestion to my parents to visit the house across the street and notify them of the incident last night in which the car was hit. I'll also have them ask surrounding neighbors if they witness the vehicle being hit.

[Jackal]

I would imagine it would be someone who regularly backs out of a neighbour's parking spot thinking they have the usual amount of space to back up them bam.
I also think a knock on a neighbour's door is in order.

[jeffjones]

definitely looks like a neighbor hit it.

[jaimie08mazda3]

Ouch that does suck. And 1500 to get it repaired seems kinda steep. Especially if its coming out of your own pocket. I'd go take a trip to the wreckers if you don't find the person that did it. Save you 800 at least. The guy that lives with me in the basement I rent side swiped my car backing outta the driveway. He hasn't paid for any damages but I have now made it to be the place is mine and him and his wife can't say anything. Fair compromise.

[Lmmorden]

At least you have fingerprints ! Sorry had to bring light to this

[peterm15]

If you cant figure out or no one fesses up spend a bit of time and hit up the wreckers. Everything damaged is easily changed and you MAY be able to get a colour match.

[Zuluwun]

I would imagine it would be someone who regularly backs out of a neighbour's parking spot thinking they have the usual amount of space to back up them bam.
I also think a knock on a neighbour's door is in order.

+1 my gf's dad did this (in front of us actually) a month or two ago. Although he left a note and such and the damage wasn't nearly as bad. Definitely looks like the car came out of neighbour 2's driveway although they may have nothing to do with neighbour 2 (peterm made a good point about someone just using that driveway to turn around). Shouldn't hurt to ask the neighbour if they saw/heard anything.

Sucks to hear all the same, good luck with the investigation/repair.

[CloudPump]

Hold on what?
I'm sure you are correct but that just doesn't seem right.

Seems like a rule change or added option is needed in insurance policies.

If you are the victim of a hit & run and you claim it through your insurance (IE: you are able to identify the motorist or you have collision coverage on your vehicle) you will not be found at fault.

-Geoff

[switzah]

Hit and runs are not at fault however you need to carry Collison coverage in order to be covered by your insurance company and your collision deductible would apply. I really hate situations like this. I was once at Upper Canada mall last year, this guy infront of me was pulling into a parking spot and he hit a parked car. He moved spots and went into the mall. I took down his plate and took photos of his car. I left my phone number on a note letting the owner of the damaged car know I have some information. I have zero respect for people who hit and run.

Now if you get the info on the person who hit and ran, there's a independent witness who saw and got the information or the person ends up owning up to hitting your car, the insurance company can proceed under a section on your policy known as Direct Compensation Property Damage which your insurance company can extend coverage to you even though you do not carry collision coverage. But if you do not have an independent witness with the other persons info or never get the other persons info the unfortunately your girlfriend is SOL.

Good luck.

[Flagrum_3]

She's SOL unless the person owns up, unfortunately.


_3

[sudz]

'Tis but a fleshwound. If you really need to patch it up, some lock wire, a small drill bit for the plastic bumper repair, and a used light from the wrecker. Should be under 300 dollars to get it functional again. Unless all the retaining clips/mounts are broken.

It'll look JDM. lol.

Granted this is an ATV Fender, but if you get some Black Lockwire it'll probably look not... Horrible.

http://quads.ca/tech/plastic_repair/DSC01634.JPG

if you don't have collision/comprehensive on it you probably don't care a huge amount it any more - Its just a way to get from A --> B?

Only thing I'd do fairly quickly is sand the cracked paint and spray bomb it.

[Flagrum_3]

'Tis but a fleshwound. If you really need to patch it up, some lock wire, a small drill bit for the plastic bumper repair, and a used light from the wrecker. Should be under 300 dollars to get it functional again. Unless all the retaining clips/mounts are broken.

It'll look JDM. lol.

Granted this is an ATV Fender, but if you get some Black Lockwire it'll probably look not... Horrible.

http://quads.ca/tech/plastic_repair/DSC01634.JPG

if you don't have collision/comprehensive on it you probably don't care a huge amount it any more - Its just a way to get from A --> B?

Only thing I'd do fairly quickly is sand the cracked paint and spray bomb it.

The Frankenstein look? :thumbsup

[sudz]

The Frankenstein look? :thumbsup

Adds Character.

[ZeroChalk]

thanks guys! I will pay a visit to the neighbor tonight and see what he says.

[jeffjones]

If you are the victim of a hit & run and you claim it through your insurance (IE: you are able to identify the motorist ) you will not be found at fault or pay a deductible.

-Geoff

That is true


If you are the victim of a hit & run and you claim it through your insurance (IE: you have collision coverage on your vehicle) you will not be found at fault.

-Geoff

This doesn't mean insurance won't raise your rates though as you will have a claim on your record.

You will have to pay your collision deductable and you won't have an "at-fault" on your record, but you will have a claim that can be used against you come renewal time.

[sudz]

That is true



This doesn't mean insurance won't raise your rates though as you will have a claim on your record.

You will have to pay your collision deductable and you won't have an "at-fault" on your record, but you will have a claim that can be used against you come renewal time.

None of which matters as she doesn't have collision...

[CloudPump]

That is true



This doesn't mean insurance won't raise your rates though as you will have a claim on your record.

You will have to pay your collision deductable and you won't have an "at-fault" on your record, but you will have a claim that can be used against you come renewal time.

Absolutley 100% false.

-Geoff

[jeffjones]

Absolutley 100% false.

-Geoff

Whats 100% false?

The fact I agreed with your first statement?
Or the fact that you will have to pay your deductible?
Or the fact that you won't have an at fault on your record?
Or the fact that having a claim can be used against you?

[CloudPump]

Whats 100% false?

The fact I agreed with your first statement?
Or the fact that you will have to pay your deductible?
Or the fact that you won't have an at fault on your record?
Or the fact that having a claim can be used against you?

The statements
"This doesn't mean insurance won't raise your rates though as you will have a claim on your record."
and
"You will have to pay your collision deductable and you won't have an "at-fault" on your record, but you will have a claim that can be used against you come renewal time"

are false and spread misinformation.

-Geoff

[jeffjones]

The statements
"This doesn't mean insurance won't raise your rates though as you will have a claim on your record."
and
"You will have to pay your collision deductable and you won't have an "at-fault" on your record, but you will have a claim that can be used against you come renewal time"

are false and spread misinformation.

-Geoff

It is not false information, It happened to my mother and we had to take it to the obudsman.
She had a hit and run in which she had to pay her collision deductible and when renewal time came around her premium had increased 30%, when she asked why the insurance company said it was because she had a claim on her record.....

(Also, doing some internet research it has happened to quite a few people)

So maybe it isn't the norm for insurance companies to do that, But it doesn't mean it doesn't happen....

[CloudPump]

It is not false information, It happened to my mother and we had to take it to the obudsman.
She had a hit and run in which she had to pay her collision deductible and when renewal time came around her premium had increased 30%, when she asked why the insurance company said it was because she had a claim on her record.....

(Also, doing some internet research it has happened to quite a few people)

So maybe it isn't the norm for insurance companies to do that, But it doesn't mean it doesn't happen....

If you are found to be 0% at fault for a hit & run collision, this claim cannot be used to determie a permium increase for your policy. This is cut & dried out of the insurance act.

Your hit & run may be used to determine eligibility for certain coverages though. What I mean by this is that if you have multiple not at fault hit and run claims, your insurance provider may decline to offer Collision coverage on the vehicle in the future.

If your insurance provider used the H&R to raise the rate, the only way they could do this is if some fault was assigned to your mother in the claim.

-Geoff

[jeffjones]

If you are found to be 0% at fault for a hit & run collision, this claim cannot be used to determie a permium increase for your policy. This is cut & dried out of the insurance act.

Your hit & run may be used to determine eligibility for certain coverages though. What I mean by this is that if you have multiple not at fault hit and run claims, your insurance provider may decline to offer Collision coverage on the vehicle in the future.

If your insurance provider used the H&R to raise the rate, the only way they could do this is if some fault was assigned to your mother in the claim.

-Geoff

Ok, I was just stating my personal experience with dealing with this situation. If the insurance company handled it wrong, than that was my experience.
Just throwing it out there.

[CloudPump]

Ok, I was just stating my personal experience with dealing with this situation. If the insurance company handled it wrong, than that was my experience.
Just throwing it out there.

Don't get me wrong, insurance companies will try and pull some bullshit on you every now and then. I've had it done on me myself once... it was amazing how quickly they corrected their "error" once I let them know I'm a broker.

-Geoff

[peterm15]

it was amazing how quickly they corrected their "error" once I let them know I'm a broker.

-Geoff

THERE IT IS!!!

Insurance companies consistently try and pull shit. That is why it is the most successful industry world wide. We are subject to laying on a bed, legs in air, ass cheeks open wide for insurance.

You know or have easy access all the laws. Most of us don't. And judging by how you help with insurance issues on the forum your an honest broker. Unfortunately not all can be thrown into the same pot.

You consistently discuss laws and how premiums are calculated but how does that explain wawanesa wanting double the premium off me then anyone else. You really cant. I could even see within 25% but double?

So where I agree that liability should be mandatory, insurance is the biggest scam out there. And they do their best to screw us at every turn.

[Lmmorden]

Insurance companies are successful because you pay for coverage and have to pay them more money if you claim... Just as banks are successful by charging you money to bank with them and more money to take your money out... Just as the gov is successful by charging you tax on the money you earn as well as the money you spend...

[CloudPump]

THERE IT IS!!!

Insurance companies consistently try and pull shit. That is why it is the most successful industry world wide. We are subject to laying on a bed, legs in air, ass cheeks open wide for insurance.

You know or have easy access all the laws. Most of us don't. And judging by how you help with insurance issues on the forum your an honest broker. Unfortunately not all can be thrown into the same pot.

You consistently discuss laws and how premiums are calculated but how does that explain wawanesa wanting double the premium off me then anyone else. You really cant. I could even see within 25% but double?

So where I agree that liability should be mandatory, insurance is the biggest scam out there. And they do their best to screw us at every turn.

I wouldn't say "all the time" or even "with frequency", but improper situations do arise. I deal with this stuff all day long, so I have a good pulse on what takes place that shouldn't.

-Geoff

[SirWanker]

Insurance companies are successful because you pay for coverage and have to pay them more money if you claim...

Considering the weather-related disasters from the past 15 months, I doubt that.


Just as banks are successful by charging you money to bank with them and more money to take your money out...

Either you use that mattress or shop around more to find a bank with better rates or no rates.


Just as the gov is successful by charging you tax on the money you earn as well as the money you spend...

Have you seen the federal/provincial deficits?

[Lmmorden]

I quite enjoyed that response... I'd like to say that the weather exists beyond our bubble... Although there are some banks that provide free banking... The very same banks sell the very same services to the general public.. And the deficit or not , the gov elect are eating steak tonight , most people aren't

[peterm15]

I quite enjoyed that response... I'd like to say that the weather exists beyond our bubble... Although there are some banks that provide free banking... The very same banks sell the very same services to the general public.. And the deficit or not , the gov elect are eating steak tonight , most people aren't

You need to learn to quote.

[Lmmorden]

Hrmmmmm.

Was going to but it was such a long post with multiple quote breakdown .. Thought it'd be a shame to repost it all and honestly too lazy to just keep pieces.

Happy?