Insurance Question

[Christopher Ritchie]

Justin Wamboldt wrote:

New years eve my 96 A4 was parked while me and a bunch of
friends took the T
into Boston. When I came back my car had been hit by someone.
The damage is
minor, but I'm going to need a new headlight, hood, and bumper.
My questions
are is there any way I can get out of paying the deductible? And
will they
put a surcharge on my insurance? If so, I'd like to just cancel
the claim
and pay for it myself, any ideas on what that would cost to fix?

-Justin


1. You need to figure out what it costs to fix the car so that you know what 
you are dealing with here.  The damage sounds expensive.  Unless you are 
wealthy, it sounds like you will be forced to file a claim.

2. Read your policy.  You will pay the deductible.  I am not sure whether a 
"hit and run" accident costs you points for the Safe Driver Credit on your 
insurance.

3. Where was the car parked?  Do you feel that a reasonable person would 
have expected the owner of the lot to guard against these things, and he 
didn't?  It doesn't make any difference what the disclaimer on the ticket or 
on the sign says.  Very difficult to establish liability on the part of the 
lot owner for these things.  But maybe your situation is unusual.  Did you 
give the car to an attendant?
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