Truck got backed into while parked...insurance questions.

T

The motor guy

Joined
Nov 29, 2009
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So, I was out working and the garbage man showed up and even with his flagger guy, still managed to back into me scratch the bumper and then hooked onto my front tire and turn the tires all the way to the left. Looks like they slid the truck back a tad too because I saw grass on the tires on the part where the tire was touching the ground. So I called the cops and they did a report and now I'm thinking I just shot myself in the foot over a little scratched bumper that I don't really even care about.
at the time I just thought it may have messed up other stuff like the parking prawl in the transmission and the alignment. Is this going to make my insurance rates go up now? It's a 17 year old truck that I have liability insurance on. I figure at the very least they could pay for an alignment and a new lower front bumper, but then now that I think about it, the truck will sit at a body shop for for 3 weeks probably and I don't want to mess with that bs opinions? I don't think my insurance is going to change if I don't even do anything. I usually have to switch carriers every year anyways because they go up for no reason even if I don't get into a wreck. I drove the truck now and as far as I can tell it's fine. Maybe a slight pull to the left.
 
I just think at the time I went a little overboard, because now it will probably show the truck is wrecked on carfax etc.
 
Respectfully, I think you're overthinking this entirely. Assuming the cops properly documented the incident and the company that operates the truck is somewhat ethical, they'll just ask you to get a couple estimates and write you a check.

Now, let's say the company doesn't take responsibility and you decide to use your insurance.. Yes, that could impact your rates.
 
TheOilWizard said:
Respectfully, I think you're overthinking this entirely. Assuming the cops properly documented the incident and the company that operates the truck is somewhat ethical, they'll just ask you to get a couple estimates and write you a check.

Now, let's say the company doesn't take responsibility and you decide to use your insurance.. Yes, that could impact your rates.
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No it's a big trash company. The manager came out and said the insurance company will call and they have to report it regardless
 
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I just had a similar experience,we were parked in a county parking lot on a hike only one van was parked there and when we returned the back was ripped off and gouged.On our window was painters tape that had Jorge on it and a number. Got a police report and our insurance said if we didn’t get progressive to come through it would be a $500 deductible but a month after the virtual estimate we sent it’s at the shop and close to 5k.I had to call and harass progressive numerous times and regretted not taking a loaner. Now I know.And the virtual was 2k under the shops but after he finally showed up at the shop,it shot way up.
 
Depends on your state laws. Illinois they would be responsible for 80% of the damages. Your company may have to sue.
 
Your lucky, up until recently when deer and bear started attacking my car

I never had an accident , but I did get to wake up to a big dent in my car because Schmidt heads backed into it and just left. Having liability it wasn’t getting fixed but insurance still tries to steal from you by jacking up rates imagining paying for accidents that never occurred.

Your fault or not they want you to overpay and make it difficult getting “their inaccurate “ records of your driving .
 
The more time I waste on this the less I care about it. If I get an estimate and get a check that's actually made out to me, wonderful, but I heard they don't even do that anymore.
 
The motor guy said:
So, I was out working and the garbage man showed up and even with his flagger guy, still managed to back into me scratch the bumper and then hooked onto my front tire and turn the tires all the way to the left. Looks like they slid the truck back a tad too because I saw grass on the tires on the part where the tire was touching the ground. So I called the cops and they did a report and now I'm thinking I just shot myself in the foot over a little scratched bumper that I don't really even care about.
at the time I just thought it may have messed up other stuff like the parking prawl in the transmission and the alignment. Is this going to make my insurance rates go up now? It's a 17 year old truck that I have liability insurance on. I figure at the very least they could pay for an alignment and a new lower front bumper, but then now that I think about it, the truck will sit at a body shop for for 3 weeks probably and I don't want to mess with that bs opinions? I don't think my insurance is going to change if I don't even do anything. I usually have to switch carriers every year anyways because they go up for no reason even if I don't get into a wreck. I drove the truck now and as far as I can tell it's fine. Maybe a slight pull to the left.
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I have read that if it's the other persons fault try to get their information and file with their instructions company. If it was a fleet vehicle that's a bit tough as insurance companies can really jack with their rates and commute drivers can't have nearly the accident rates or lose their license.
 
In Michigan if someone hits a parked car its there insurance pays all the damages. If your state laws are similar your vehicle should be fixed for free no need to notify your insurance co at all. Although current wait times at a collision center can run in to weeks or longer.
 
97prizm said:
I have read that if it's the other persons fault try to get their information and file with their instructions company. If it was a fleet vehicle that's a bit tough as insurance companies can really jack with their rates and commute drivers can't have nearly the accident rates or lose their license.
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I thought about that. Definitely not a good day for the driver. Some companies fire you after an accident. Personally I think they were both new. When the supervisor came out I noticed he kind of stuck around and pretended to help out on a few stops. I think he wanted to see how they were working. Every garbage truck I see hauls butt in reverse and drives like a pro. These guys were slow as snails. At the same time, how do you run into something with a flagger behind you guiding you?
 
The motor guy said:
I'm sure a bumper is atleast $1,000
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Two options - traditional or easy.

Easy - Owner might offer to handle it directly or perhaps you make the offer. If so, you will shake hands and agree to send them a receipt for the bumper and alignment. You will source said bumper and submit receipts. You will include a statement for a few hours of your time to replace. They reimburse and it keeps their insurance out of it. Perhaps they even start the claim with their insurance but pay direct, which makes the claim go away. If they give you flack you can take that police report to their insurance (or yours) and get more people involved.

Traditional -
Their adjustor (or company rep) will look at the bumper and make you an offer. The offer might be low. They will probably cut you a check upfront for the amount and hope they never hear from you again. If you go to a body shop, your truck will not sit there for weeks. Once the work is quoted and approved they can get the parts on order. They don't want to mess around for weeks. They don't want to be on the hook for a rental car any longer than needed. If it's drivable you can keep it in the meantime.

Who cares about the carfax on a 17 year old truck? Even if a future buyer did, you'll have a good explanation and photos of the damage. Nothingburger.

Sorry for the headache but this is nothing to overstress about. Stuff happens. You're not screwed. It'll all get handled.
 
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Damage to your vehicle while it was parked in a legal spot is entirely on whoever hit it. Have you driven the truck since? You need to know if the wheels and suspension are OK.
 
mk378 said:
Damage to your vehicle while it was parked in a legal spot is entirely on whoever hit it. Have you driven the truck since? You need to know if the wheels and suspension are OK.
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Yeah, it seems fine now. I've driven it more. I honestly don't see me getting anything from a 6inch gouge in a bumper. It's on the bottom section where they put that cheap chrome junk looks like like crap after 10 years unless you buff it shiny regularly which I don't. Theyll just laugh at me if someone comes out I bet
 
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