So I woke up this morning to a minor scratch on my brand new vehicle, pulled up the ring cam footage. Saw it was my neighbor, talked to him the next day. He wants nothing to do with it basically says it was an accident, if I ask him for his info I doubt he’s be willing to give.
So now I’m stuck with the decision of filling a claim under mine with his plates or just pay out of pocket myself. The cost would be less than my deductible which is 1k. I don’t wanna have to go that route because of higher rates on insurance after but I also don’t want him to think it’s fine to get away with.
What should I do?
Posted by Reasonable-Staff-722
16 Comments
how did he scratch it? with his car?
Call the cops and get a police report
If the repair cost is below your deductible, filing a collision claim makes no financial sense. Your insurer generally will not chase the neighbor or identify his carrier unless you open a claim or have a police report. Rates aside, a claim often still creates a claims history entry. Your practical options are: (1) pay out of pocket and move on, or (2) file a police report, then pursue his insurance if identified. There is no informal way to force accountability without triggering a claim or report.
Take him to small claims. It’s worth it.
Send him email or letter with a copy of the video footage. Ask him to either pay you directly for the damages or to turn the issue over to his insurance company. Make it clear to him that you are not going away. Politely ask him to get back to you by « x » date.
If he cooperates, then great. If not, just file a small claims action. If he has insurance than that will likely result in him reporting the issue to his carrier. He will not want to handle the small claims action on his own.
If that still doesn’t work, just go to the small claims hearing with your video evidence. If he doesn’t show, you will get a default judgment. Court will not collect the money for you. That will still be on you.
If you decide to file small claims, ask for cost of repair, and rental.
If you have no experience with small claims, just ask ChatGPT or similar service to put together the small claims complaint for you. It is amazing how AI can make the process easier.
I wouldn’t file an insurance claim — pay out of pocket for the repair and get a receipt/invoice.
Talk to neighbor about paying you back (show him the repair bill) — otherwise if you have video evidence then let him know that you’re going to file a claim against him in small claims court to get your money back
The majority of auto damage is an accident but there are still parties held responsible.
small claims prob better.
If damages are below your deductible, don’t waste your time filing a claim on your insurance because your insurance can’t help you. You’ll have to sue him in small claims court if you can’t his insurance info.
At the end of the day, you are still going to be living next to the guy. I would be inclined to just pay out of pocket to have the minor scratch removed.
Don’t let him get away with it.
If you have footage sue him in small claims court. First make a written demand for the fair amount of the repair. Give him a reasonable time to reply and if not file.
Don’t waste your time with Small Claims Court. Call your carrier for assistance but not filing claim. Just report only. Give them neighbor’s license plate and your video. Your insurance can run license plate and find out who is their carrier. Furthermore they can report claim for you.
(I am Auto Claims Adjuster)
How important is your relationship with this neighbor? If it were me I’d be mad…. but might just eat the cost in order to keep the peace. If I were the neighbor I’d offer to pay to have it fixed.
I think he did a hit and run since he didn’t let you know immediately at least with a note. You caught him by surprise with your camera. You have the mojo hand if you want to use it.
call the police, show them the cam footage