Kids car hit in school parking lot- Thoughts?

[Alfer]

So we made it a week into the new school year and kiddos '23 Forte was side swiped while he was in school (car was parked) and driver left the scene. There are no driving issues but passenger door pops when opened. We asked school if any video, but they said they couldn't see anything definitive to determine what happened. Since son is a new driver, I'm REALLY hesitant to claim it on our insurance for fear they raise rates even HIGHER than the rates are now. I will take car to some shops for quotes but was wondering if anyone else has had similar situation happen and how did you handle? Insurance claim? Pay out of pocket?

Thanks for any info you can offer.

 

[EdP]

So we made it a week into the new school year and kiddos '23 Forte was side swiped while he was in school (car was parked) and driver left the scene. There are no driving issues but passenger door pops when opened. We asked school if any video, but they said they couldn't see anything definitive to determine what happened. Since son is a new driver, I'm REALLY hesitant to claim it on our insurance for fear they raise rates even HIGHER than the rates are now. I will take car to some shops for quotes but was wondering if anyone else has had similar situation happen and how did you handle? Insurance claim? Pay out of pocket?

Thanks for any info you can offer.

I'd start by walking the parking lot looking for a car with dings on the side.

If the estimate is $1000 or less, you'd probably come out way ahead paying out of pocket even though not at fault.

 

[SirJangle]

So we made it a week into the new school year and kiddos '23 Forte was side swiped while he was in school (car was parked) and driver left the scene. There are no driving issues but passenger door pops when opened. We asked school if any video, but they said they couldn't see anything definitive to determine what happened. Since son is a new driver, I'm REALLY hesitant to claim it on our insurance for fear they raise rates even HIGHER than the rates are now. I will take car to some shops for quotes but was wondering if anyone else has had similar situation happen and how did you handle? Insurance claim? Pay out of pocket?

Thanks for any info you can offer.

Since your son isn't at fault, your rates shouldn't increase. Did you file a police report? Police will be able to investigate better than you or school can.

 

[pulsar]

It’s a claim and even though non-moving, most insurance will still count it as a chargeable claim for 3 years unless you have accident forgiveness. Should not be a big hit though for it was not a collision. It was basically a hit and run. Your agent, if they are any good ought to be able to advise you. Caution, I’ve heard of instances where just asking questions will create notes on your account about the accident regardless if a claim is actually filed or not so unless you trust your agent, not sure I tell them.

 

[SirJangle]

It’s a claim and even though non-moving, most insurance will still count it as a chargeable claim for 3 years unless you have accident forgiveness. Should not be a big hit though for it was not a collision. It was basically a hit and run. Your agent, if they are any good ought to be able to advise you. Caution, I’ve heard of instances where just asking questions will create notes on your account about the accident regardless if a claim is actually filed or not so unless you trust your agent, not sure I tell them.

Not how it works. I've been in the insurance industry most of my career. Comp and not-at-faults will not increase your rates. And, agents most certainly don't keep "naughty notes" on their clients. They're there to help you. And, this is coming from an Underwriter.

 

[Alfer]

I had heard that "don't call the agent, they will report you anyway" story for years. So not true? I trust my agent, been with her for 25+ years.

 

[SirJangle]

I had heard that "don't call the agent, they will report you anyway" story for years. So not true? I trust my agent, been with her for 25+ years.

No, not true. The state DOI's wouldn't allow that nor surcharging for a "naughty list".

 

[EdP]

Not how it works. I've been in the insurance industry most of my career. Comp and not-at-faults will not increase your rates. And, agents most certainly don't keep "naughty notes" on their clients. They're there to help you. And, this is coming from an Underwriter.

Yeah, was not my experience. My car was not moving and got hit but still was on my record for a few years.

My opinion, based only on my experience, of the auto insurance industry is not a good one.

 

[Alfer]

I called my agent and he has a daughter in same school and same grade and her car car got side swiped last school year and was hit and run.

He said get rates and see if paying out of pocket is doable. But if too high of a cost, we can file as hit and run.

 

[SirJangle]

Yeah, was not my experience. My car was not moving and got hit but still was on my record for a few years.

My opinion, based only on my experience, of the auto insurance industry is not a good one.

If in an accident, it'll be on your record. But in your case, should've been on your record as not-at-fault. Per state statutes, you cannot be surcharged for that.

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[steveinarizona]

We asked school if any video, but they said they couldn't see anything definitive to determine what happened.

So there is video. I would ask to review it as well. While they may be truthful in telling you that there is nothing definitive, there could be probative evidence (such as the color, type of car) that could lead to identifying the hit and run culprit.