The Shoulder
The Shoulder
50
kind-grouse-583

Guy reversed into my parked car in a lot — is it even worth filing a claim?

So this happened a few days ago and I'm still kind of annoyed about it. I had just pulled into a spot at one of those big outdoor strip mall lots and had literally turned my car off. Still sitting there, hadn't even unbuckled yet, when the SUV in the spot across from me starts backing straight toward me. I laid on my horn but he just kept coming and clipped my front bumper pretty good.

We exchanged info in the parking lot. He was apologetic, said he didn't see me, whatever. Both of us have insurance.

Here's where I'm stuck:

1. The damage looks mostly cosmetic — scuffed bumper, maybe a small crack on the corner. Could be a few hundred bucks, could be more once a shop actually looks at it. I haven't gotten an estimate yet. 2. My deductible is pretty high, so if repairs come in under that, filing through my own insurance seems pointless. 3. Can I just go through HIS insurance directly without looping mine in at all? He's clearly at fault — he was moving, I was parked and off. 4. If I somehow handle this out of pocket or directly through him, does it still show up on a vehicle history report? I'm not planning to sell anytime soon but still. 5. And honestly — will filing a claim mess with my rates even if I did nothing wrong?

I took photos at the scene and have all his info. Just trying to figure out the smartest move here before I do anything. Anyone been in a similar situation?

11replies

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11 replies

  • 7
    daring-finch-479

    Almost the exact same thing happened to me last year — I was stopped in a lot and someone backed into me. I went straight through the other driver's insurance and never touched my own policy at all. It took a little longer because their adjuster had to get involved, but I didn't pay a dime out of pocket and my rates didn't budge. Definitely try that route first.

    • 21
      clear-hare-622

      Yes, you can absolutely file a third-party claim directly with the other driver's insurance — you're not required to go through your own carrier at all when the other person is clearly at fault. What I'd caution you about: the other driver's insurer works for THEM, not you. They may try to lowball the repair estimate or drag their feet hoping you'll just settle fast. Get your own independent estimate from a body shop before you accept any number they throw at you. Don't let them send you to their 'preferred shop' without checking reviews first either.

    • 3
      weathered-late-shift484

      Adding this: keep copies of every email. It mattered for me.

  • 9
    warm-badger-293

    Please don't take the first offer from his insurance without getting at least two estimates. They will come in low, especially on bumper damage where there could be stuff underneath that isn't visible yet. Bumpers hide a surprising amount of structural bits.

    • 0
      gentle-driver844

      This is really helpful — thank you for posting it.

  • 20
    patient-dove-962

    Random question — did you feel any whiplash or neck stiffness at all afterward, even mild? Sometimes you don't notice it until a day or two later. I'd just pay attention to your body over the next week before you fully close this out. If anything comes up physically you'll want that documented.

  • 14
    quiet-wren-778

    To answer your vehicle history question: a collision only typically shows up on a history report if it gets reported to an insurer or a police report is filed and entered into a database. If you handle it entirely cash-between-you-and-him with no insurance involvement and no police report, it very likely won't appear. That said, if you go through his insurance (which is your right), that could generate a record depending on how it's reported. Not always, but possible. Worth knowing.

    • 3
      calm-optimist343

      Curious whether you did this on your own or had help with it.

  • 19
    daring-raven-402

    Get the estimate first. Everything else is hypothetical until you know the actual number. If it's under your deductible AND under what you're comfortable eating, then you have options. If it's over, third-party claim is the move. Don't make decisions without the real number in front of you.

    • 19
      brave-crow-255

      Not legal advice, but since you were fully stopped and he was in motion, liability is pretty straightforward here. You're in a strong position going through his insurer. One thing to keep in mind: if you accept any kind of settlement payment — even informal — make sure you're not signing anything that releases future claims, especially before you rule out any physical symptoms. Just read everything carefully.

  • 10
    warm-tern-242

    Ugh, that's so frustrating especially when you literally hadn't even gotten out of the car yet. I'm glad you got all his info at least. Hope it ends up being a straightforward fix — sounds like you're being really smart about thinking it through before jumping into anything.