I got into a minor bump accident recently. I was reversing out of a parking stall and bumped the front of someone's car. I must have been going about 1-2 mph. It's her boyfriend's car that she was borrowing. So owner wasn't there.
I didn't have my insurance paper on me at the time (but I am insured, I just forgot to print it out). I made sure to let her know that I am willing to pay for any damages necessary and that I will go to a mechanic or body shop to get an appraisal. There were a few scratches on the bumper. I also let it be known that I'd rather just pay the damages out of pocket because it seemed like the scratches could be fixed easily and cheaply. Again, we're talking scratches.
I gave her my drivers license and phone number.
The next day I received a voicemail and a text from her boyfriend stating that "after careful inspection of his vehicle, there was some damage to a screw that was holding the bumper together and now it seems like the Entire bumper needs to be replaced".
Keep in mind, my car is spotless, the minor bump that actually happened at the scene was extremely minor. We're talking a tap. He insisted to get my insurance information which I will be providing for him.
But My question is, in your experience, does it sound like he's trying to get more out of this? Or is he just being cautious? If so, is there any precaution I should take when proceeding with insurance? There were no cops called as I figured this was so minor.
But after receiving that call, I am worried that I should have just called the cops, but I can't linger on that as that's done and over with, lesson learned. I just want know if this is a typical sign of insurance fraud.
Thank you.
I didn't have my insurance paper on me at the time (but I am insured, I just forgot to print it out). I made sure to let her know that I am willing to pay for any damages necessary and that I will go to a mechanic or body shop to get an appraisal. There were a few scratches on the bumper. I also let it be known that I'd rather just pay the damages out of pocket because it seemed like the scratches could be fixed easily and cheaply. Again, we're talking scratches.
I gave her my drivers license and phone number.
The next day I received a voicemail and a text from her boyfriend stating that "after careful inspection of his vehicle, there was some damage to a screw that was holding the bumper together and now it seems like the Entire bumper needs to be replaced".
Keep in mind, my car is spotless, the minor bump that actually happened at the scene was extremely minor. We're talking a tap. He insisted to get my insurance information which I will be providing for him.
But My question is, in your experience, does it sound like he's trying to get more out of this? Or is he just being cautious? If so, is there any precaution I should take when proceeding with insurance? There were no cops called as I figured this was so minor.
But after receiving that call, I am worried that I should have just called the cops, but I can't linger on that as that's done and over with, lesson learned. I just want know if this is a typical sign of insurance fraud.
Thank you.