How do I pursue damage to my car from a drunk?

Question

Last week, I was at a party and had an argument with this other guy. He was pretty drunk. When I was leaving, he came to my car and bashed the side of my door with a beer bottle. It was a pretty heated argument, but still, I can't even open my door now. I don't have comprehensive insurance, so how would I pursue reimbursment for the damages? Would my insurance completely be out of it, since I don't have comprehensive, and would I need to get a lawyer?

Answer 1

You need to file a small claims action against him.  The magistrate/judge will likely find in your favor.  You don't need an attorney, you just need to prove your damages.  

Since you do not have Comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will not pursue the claim for you.

Answer 2

You should have called the cops.  Then they would

(1) recorded the event

(2) recorded the person who damaged the car

Now you will have to figure out who did it, what is his name and address - and if he deny doing the damage, you have to get people to agree with you (even testify).

Depending on the damage level, you might need a lawyer or just a lawyer's advice.

Good Luck...

Answer 3

Contact your Insurance Company they will offer the advice you need. In most cases if you have fully Comp Insurance you will have legal protection with it. The Insurance may be able to persue a claim against the other person without any cost or claim on your Insurance. If they dont then yes get a Solicitor and they will take the other person to Court or they may get the other person to settle out of court for the damage and charge them there costs too...ask.

Answer 4

I hope you know who the is as you'll have to go after him in small claims court.  Since you don't have comp coverage, your insurance company has nothing to do with this incident.

Answer 5

Be honest,It is gonna take some time to find the answer for your question.Try to have a look the resource here for reference.http://car-insurance.online-helpers.info...

Answer 6

Get an estimate and if you do not want to confront the person, send a registered letter in the mail. You may also email this person and in all likely hood he will email back mentioning his wrong doings. Save and copy to paper, that way you will not loose the email.  The only true way to get your money is to have at least one honest witness. Yes, you should always get a police report but if you have witnesses, you will get your money. Ask Judge Judy but go to the Peoples Court.

Answer 7

I would contact your insurance company.  They may be able to help even though you don't have comprehensive.  BTW are you sure you don't have it ?    It is very basic and common

Answer 8

i cannot believe that someone could hit a car door with a beer bottle hard enough so the door no longer opens.  are you sure he didn't hit it with something else?  if your insurance won't cover it, you will have to pursue him in small claims court.  doubt you will get paid by doing that and you will end up spending more money in court than its worth.  you will most likely end up paying for this yourself.  I would contact my insurance agent just to be sure you do not have coverage for this.