Car insurance question

[InverseOfNeo]

So 4 weeks ago, I was rear ended. I was at a complete stop when I got hit. I took my car in to the guy that I have gone to in the past and does good work. Today I pick up my car and says that I owe the deductible. I told him that I dont have that much cash so I'll have to bring him a check later (the guy doesnt take CC, only downside of going there). But I'm also wondering why I have to pay the deductible when it was completely not my fault. Am I missing somethhing? Is my understanding of how car insurance works incorrect? Please help. Thanks.

 

[Lola]

what state do you live in? I am assuming a "no fault" state. If that is the case, you probably have Regular/Basic Collision. You pay if you are at fault or not at fault... you can usually get up to $500 back from the at fault party as well. (it is called Mini-tort)... but check with your agent tomorrow for sure!

 

[InverseOfNeo]

I'm in California. But why do I have to pay if I am not at fault? Is that really how car insurance works? You pay no matter what?

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo
I'm in California.

hrm... lemme check. I would just call your ins. company to make sure...
you are paying them all that money, the least they can do is inform you on what coverage you have. 🙂

 

[FeuerFrei]

You have to call the other person's insurance company and inform them so they can check police report and pay your damages.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo
I'm in California. But why do I have to pay if I am not at fault? Is that really how car insurance works? You pay no matter what?

nope, its not a no fault state.

 

[mugs]

You made a claim on your insurance, so you have to pay your deductible. Your insurance company can get the money back from the other insurance company and refund the deductible to you.

 

[InverseOfNeo]

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
You have to call the other person's insurance company and inform them so they can check police report and pay your damages.

But shouldn't my insurance co just call their insurance co and get them to pay it?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: LolaWiz

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo
I'm in California. But why do I have to pay if I am not at fault? Is that really how car insurance works? You pay no matter what?

nope, its not a no fault state.

I thought "no fault" only applied to personal injuries anyway?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
You have to call the other person's insurance company and inform them so they can check police report and pay your damages.

But shouldn't my insurance co just call their insurance co and get them to pay it?

Call your insurance company.

 

[mugs]

Just checked with the wife, we had an accident 6 months ago and our insurance company eventually sent us the deductible back eventually. We didn't get the personal injury deductible back though, because NJ is a no fault state. We'd have to fight that one out on our own.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
You have to call the other person's insurance company and inform them so they can check police report and pay your damages.

But shouldn't my insurance co just call their insurance co and get them to pay it?

I suppose, but personally I don't want to tell my insurance company I was involved in an accident. If they find out, it won't be from me, unless I want to make a claim.

 

[jemcam]

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
You have to call the other person's insurance company and inform them so they can check police report and pay your damages.

But shouldn't my insurance co just call their insurance co and get them to pay it?

I suppose, but personally I don't want to tell my insurance company I was involved in an accident. If they find out, it won't be from me, unless I want to make a claim.

You only pay a deductible when a claim has been made against your insurance. IF his insurance is paying for it, someone made a mistake when the wrote the estimate. Find out who wrote the estimate and ask them why you're having to pay a deductible as a claimant. I'm assuming here that some insurance company is paying the bill. If it was the other guy, you do not owe a deductible. If your company is paying, you owe your collision deductible. Call the insurance company or ask the owner/manager to call them to straighten it out.