Insurance Q - What is wrong with some people?

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Jun 18, 2012 | 06:14 PM
  #1  
So I'm driving 97 South (MD) in the center lane going about 65 when in my side view I see a maxima barreling at least 90 MPH in the left lane. There was a car to my left and to my right. The maxima decides that instead of slowing down they would pass on the shoulder, pulling off one of the most insanely reckless acts of driving I've ever seen. For a second I muttered "OH SHHIII...." thinking I was going to die in a fiery crash.

Thankfully, this idiot pulled it off and no one died, but in the process kicked up a driveway's worth of gravel that put about 100 chips in my hood, quarter panels, windshield and roof. My car literally looks as if it took a gravel bath (mind you I was in the center lane, can't imagine what the cars in the left lane look like).

I sped up to get the license #, which I did and called 911. They told me they'd keep an eye out for the car but couldn't make a report as the damage I suffered was "road debris."

Before I call insurance tonight to get my car fixed...will my insurance go after her or use my comprehensive to cover it? I don't want my premiums to go up or have to pay the deductible....

Would they hold her at fault for the damage to my car? Please someone knowledgeable chime in. Scheduled tomorrow with a local trusted body shop to get an estimate. You can easily tell the new chips from old ones (at least in the paint), and my windshield was pristine as of about 4pm today. The new chips outnumber old ones by about 10:1.

Thanks!

EDIT: I have full coverage on the car with Allstate, including comprehensive and collision.
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Jun 18, 2012 | 06:20 PM
  #2  
No report,
no help
insurance can't legally do anything with out documented evidence
just get ready to suck up and pay the deductible if you wish to pursue it, and possible policy increase,
on the bright side, you are alive to tell this tale, my bro-in law was a truck driver, and some idiot in a S10 pickup decided to do the same thing, he passed on the gravel shoulder, he wasn't so lucky, slipped on the gravel midway through the pass, slammed under my bro's truck, crushing the cab, and drug a good 300-400 feet before the truck could stop, nothing but glass and bloody carcus, people will never learn...........
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Jun 18, 2012 | 06:53 PM
  #3  
He's right. Basically without a police report its all hearsay
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Jun 18, 2012 | 07:08 PM
  #4  
It can go either way. Since you got the plate number, you actually have a pretty good chance. Make sure you let them know that you called 911 to report this as well.

When you have a claim like this, it will almost always be comprehensive since you cannot prove it. However; you were able to get the plate # and car info AND called 911. Thats not something people usually just make up. These situations turn into 'he said, she said', so details like that are useful.

I dont want to get your hopes up, but I do think you have a decent chance at getting her held responsible. Especially since you are insured with Allstate... The companies who usually go to bat for you and get these claims paid out are the bigger ones, like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm. They are pricier than the 'no names' because you have access to their top tier lawyers, you know...

Good luck... and I am an insurance agent who has seen these types of claims go either way...
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Jun 19, 2012 | 03:44 AM
  #5  
Most likely they will make you pay the deductible....someone hit my car in the parking lot and left, not leaving a note or anything, and I had to pay the deductible.

You can give them the plate number for the car BUT of course you don't have proof that he's the one that caused it
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Jun 19, 2012 | 09:17 AM
  #6  
You called 911 and you have the license number, make a police report before you give the information/time and place to your insurance company. To bad the POS didn't die....
Gary
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Jun 19, 2012 | 01:19 PM
  #7  
Quote: You called 911 and you have the license number, make a police report before you give the information/time and place to your insurance company. To bad the POS didn't die....
Gary
Seriously, file a report now. Even if youve already filed the claim, file it and forward the copy to your insurance claims adjuster.
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Jun 19, 2012 | 02:26 PM
  #8  
That sounds pretty scary. It still surprises me how many people have such disregard for others on the road. Don't know how they get their drivers licenses (if they even have one).

Unfortunately I don't know how much luck you'll have without a police report. You could try and file one first though.
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Jun 19, 2012 | 06:13 PM
  #9  
He already said he called and they told him they couldnt make a report
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Jun 19, 2012 | 06:40 PM
  #10  
That was through 911. If he can, I think he should really try at the PD... Even if they wont, at least he tried - and its something that can probably help him out a great deal...
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Jun 19, 2012 | 07:15 PM
  #11  
From what i know, since you did get a plate number and if you reported to your insurance company they will try and make contact with that person. If the person doesn't respond within a certain number of days they will consider it either uninsured or comprehensive. I have a friend who went through something similar.
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Jun 29, 2012 | 01:27 AM
  #12  
Since you have her license plate number and you’ve called 911, I’d say you have a pretty good chance at holding her responsible. If she has insurance, it should be pay for your damages. Otherwise you might have to pay for it yourself. I opted for the AARP insurance a while ago (Visit their website to learn more) mainly after being told about them from a friend.
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