How long does it take to settle a simple insurance claim?

Question

So I was driving behind an '81 Volkswagen van in my BMW. Someone swerved into his lane, causing him to stop. I didn't stop in time and ended up rear-ending him. Nothing happened to my car, and only dented his bumper slightly. He asked for $150 to 'forget' about it, and I agreed to pay him, but, being 17 years old, didn't have $150 in cash on me. Since I didn't have the cash, he filed an insurance claim for around $1200, which my parents say is way too much for the old van. How long do you think it will take to settle this claim?

Answer 1

I think it will take a week to ten days.  

This is just a poll, ya know?

But pretty much any vehicle that runs and passes inspection, is going to be worth $1000.   And a bumper for that van, well, it might also be $1000.  I'd believe this thing will total out at around $1,000. Plus the rental, you really could be looking at $1200.

Answer 2

2 mos

Answer 3

How many times are you going to ask this same question ?  I answered this a couple of days ago

Answer 4

so his price is about right.... here try this call a couple places and ask how much to replace it your self and then you will see bumpers are high no matter what the year... guess you should have been watching and not so close if you had you wouldnt have hit him too close and not watching cost ya 1200 bucks

Answer 5

Is he filing a claim with your insuance company? If so, just let them handle it. An '81 VW van might not even be worth $1200, so he might be haggling with your insurance company over the price of a total loss. Most insurance companies try to settle simple property damage claims within 30 days of being notified.

Answer 6

As long as it takes for the insurance companies involved to discuss it, and for your insurance to write a check out.  Since you hit him in the rear, you are at fault.