Over a month ago, I accidentally hit another car here in Washington state. The damage was very minor — just a small dent. I took photos of everything, and at the time the other driver even said it was “nothing” and almost didn’t take my insurance information.

    I never heard from him, so I assumed he wasn’t going to pursue it. But now, more than 30 days later, he’s texting me saying he doesn’t want to go through insurance and is demanding over $2k. He’s claiming I caused a bunch of other damage (like a light replacement and emblem change) that I know for a fact wasn’t part of the accident — my photos clearly show none of that was damaged.

    My questions:
    • Was I legally required to report this to my insurance myself, even though I gave him my insurance info at the time?
    • What’s the best move now that he’s trying to get me to pay directly for inflated repairs instead of going through my insurance?

    Help me
    byu/Key_Cartographer3395 inInsurance



    Posted by Key_Cartographer3395

    4 Comments

    1. fap-on-fap-off on

      Tell him you will not pay more than half your deductible, and if needed you can allow him to negotiate you up to your deductible, but but a cent more. You can point out that you have pictures showing the claimed damage being non-existent during these negotiations. If you come to agreement, make sure he signs a receipt for the money paid and on a computer release of both property damage claims and medical claims.

      Otherwise, report it to your insurance now, and provide them the photographs showing the claimed damage is false. You’re still going to be considered at fault for an accident, but don’t let the guy intimidate you. You may want to do this no matter what since the guy is messing around

    2. Just turn it in to your insurance and let them handle it.

      You said this driver has your insurance, what happens when you pay him $1000-$2000 and then he makes a claim to your insurance?

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