What Happens if My Car Accident Damage is More Than Estimated

Reader’s Question:

I was in a car accident when this SUV bumped me while we were in traffic in Columbus Ohio. I got estimated damages to my car and it costs $12,000 to fix it. The owner of the SUV said his auto insurance will only pay $10,000. Should I let him off the hook?

Miguel

Columbus Ohio OH

It’s very fortunate that you asked, Miguel, otherwise you would have been stripped your rightful claim. Oftentimes, offending parties try to run away from their responsibility by using various means of reasoning. Some appeal to emotion, some bully their victims, and some try to cite their auto insurance as a limitation; I’ve heard a lot of these stories in. While it is true that auto insurance policies set limits to the maximum amount it can pay during an accident, that doesn’t mean that the aggrieved party has to settle for less than what he is entitled for, or that he should pay for the damage which was not his fault. When auto insurance can not fully pay for the damages, it is the policy owner’s responsibility to fulfill the remaining obligations. In this case, Miguel, that guy should cough up $2,000 otherwise you should sue him. It will be a direct transaction between you and him and you can negotiate the payment and terms between the two of you. But one thing is clear – do not let him off the hook, he should be fully responsible for his actions. And the fact that he is underinsured is just one unfortunate detail but one you shouldn’t suffer from.

With this incident, you should start reviewing your very own auto insurance policy, Miguel. Check if it gives you enough coverage when this thing happens to you and you are the offending party. If you want to look at other auto insurance packages, simply type in your zip code on this page to get free quotes from several auto insurers in Columbus Ohio. You already know how it feels to be the victim so you should be more responsible, too.

I’m just glad that it is only your car that was damaged badly and not you, Miguel, so always be safe on the road.