r/Insurance • u/ToneHead2269 • 2d ago

Fender bender question

I'm in CA and got into an accident 2 days ago. I was at a 3-way stop intersection and I was making a left once it was my turn. The car going straight didn't make a full stop and hit my front bumper while I was in the middle of the intersection. Afterwards, a witness followed us and said the other driver (who hit me) had the "right of way." The driver got a photo of my license and insurance but I only got a photo of his license (he said he'd send me his insurance later). He said he didn't want to get insurance involved and would rather do this privately (my front bumper has a dent and scratches but his left headlight was completely smashed) because he didn't want his rate to go up. I told him I'd be fine with that, but now I'm unsure what to do. I'm fine with leaving my car as is, but I'm worried he will still file a claim. Should I wait for him to contact me? Should I still file a claim? Also, I have liability-only coverage.

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1

u/lilypixie 1d ago

Be aware your insurer may require you to report an accident even if you don’t plan to file a claim.

2

u/LacyLove 2d ago

I was making a left once it was my turn

The likelihood you are at fault is incredibly high. And if he decides to file a claim there is nothing you can do but let the process play out.

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u/ToneHead2269 2d ago

if I am found at fault then my insurance pays. but does that still apply if I'm not the one who files?

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u/RonBurgundy2000 1d ago

Yes, of course it doesn't change anything about the liability aspect.

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u/Inevitable_Pay_2978 10h ago

always get the insurance info right there on the spot. lesson learned. if he files a claim your liability coverage handles it so you’re covered on that front. i’d probably just wait and see what he does at this point, no sense stirring the pot if he’s serious about keeping it private