Minor fender-bender in WalMart parking lot. what next?

Question

details: person backing out of a parking space was about to hit me. i panicked and threw my truck in reverse to avoid getting broadsided. [couldn't go forward, because another car was in front of me]. didn't see car behind me, and banged into it. minimal damage to my truck, but gashed other car's bumper. meanwhile, the first idiot who caused it drives off. the person i hit wants me to pay out of pocket, claiming my rates will go up if i don't. [i have $1000 deductable on my truck]. should i pay out of my pocket or let the insurance company handle it. how much will i be penalized in drivers pts. [spotless record], and for how many years?? i live in Massachusetts, if that matters. [just another reason why i hate WalMart. this parking lot absolutely s*cks!!!!]

Answer 1

Never, never, ever settle things on your own.  You have insurance, use it!  Too many times these off insurance deals turn sour.  More damage found later, suddenly the other persons back starts to ache.  They decide that they want more money, etc.  The last thing you should be worrying about is IF and how much your rates MAY go up

Answer 2

See how much the bumper will cost and if its over $1000 let your insurance handle it if not pay out of pocket. Usually it last 7 years but some insurance companies give you 1 free pass.  Just becareful next time and let the idiot hit you instead of you hitting someone else, then they have to pay for your damage insted of you paying for the other people.

Answer 3

if you file to your insurance company they will pay for the damages to the other vehicle your deductible be it 100 to 1000 is irrelevant unless you have YOUR car fix.  Deductibles only apply for your car all other vehicles are part of your liability insurance and not subject to a deductible from you.  As far as points it depends on your state here in CA anything over 750 will get you 1 point on your drivers license for 3 years but i imagine every state is different .. but again remember deductible only applies to your car if you seek repairs if you dont than your carrier will just pay for the repairs to the other vehicle. and i agree with one think next time let them hit you.

Answer 4

DEFINITELY call your insurance company!  

Since you've never even had a claim, it will NOT make your rates go up.  This guy is just trying to get more money out of you than the damages are actually going to cost him.

Answer 5

Just turn it in to your insurance.  It's none of the guys business whether you pay or you turn it in.

Hopefully this will teach you not to shop at Walmart, they suck anyway.

Answer 6

Your deductible won't be a factor, unless you have collision and decide to fix your own truck.  You are responsible for the person you backed into, but I would NOT pay out of pocket, his claim that your rates will go up raises a big red flag in my mind.  Why is he so concerned about your rates?  My guess is he's going to give you an inflated repair price.

Let your insurance handle it.