Help with auto insurance claim?

Question

in a parking lot, I was backing out, I had just started backing out of the space, I was about 1 foot out of it, and I felt a jolt, looked behind me and there was another car there. (I had checked the mirrors and things prior to backing out). The car on the opposite side was backing out at the same time, but he was more on my side when we hit eachother, but I think that was due to him backing out more quickly than I. I have very minor damage on my vehicle (A jeep) but his car on the bumper was totally smashed in (I nissan mirano). We both hit eachother on the driver side bumper. We both pulled back into our spaces, exchanged info. Before exchanging though, a 15-16 year old kid was driving and the dad came up to me and said "Let's just say it was me driving, he is just learning how to drive." I didn't know what to say, this was my first accident. My fiance said that it was my fault and I will have to pay the other persons deductible to get his car fixed even though we aren't getting ours

Answer 1

You should not have lied about who was driving.  Call your insurance company, and let them know that you made an error.  Tell them the kid was driving.  It sounds as if this may be a 50/50 liability case.  If you are 50% at fault for the accident, then you are responsible for 50% of the total damages, not just the deductible.  Your insurance company will complete their investigation and assess liability.

Answer 2

I agree with "rsquil1" He's right

It's Best to be honest and let your insurer handle the matter. sounds like that kid probably was not supposed to be driving.

From a General Insurance Agent..

Jordyn there is just a spammer generating click revenue from that link he keeps putting on every identical answer.

Take Care

Answer 3

You NEVER  pay the other person's deductible.   You only pay a deductible if you are claiming the damage on you vehicle, which you're not.  This is what you have insurance for.  You report it to the insurance, and if they find that you were at fault, they will pay to repair the other person's damage.  They could even find that you both were 50% at fault and just pay half of the Nissan's damage.  

You should be honest with your insurance and tell them the son was driving.  Never lie to your insurance.

Answer 4

First off, do not admit fault.  second, if you have insurance, call your company and make a claim.  this will protect you if the other party decides later that they are "injured"  If the damage is strictly to the cars and no injuries, than your company will take care of you if you have collision coverage on your car and the other party will have thier insurance take care of them.  Even if you are found to be at fault,which is highly unlikely, your insurance company would pay the claim under your property damage coverage and no cost to you at all.  Don't worry, this is just a minor fender bender.  Just protect yourself by calling your company,making a claim and not saying you were at fault.  This is why you pay for insurance...get what you pay for and do not lose sleep.  Good Luck.  This is a one point accident and will not cause you to lose any "good driver" discounts.