I was hit by the car in front of me in a gas line that apparently backed up into me. I didn’t realize until I’d been hit. There’s nothing else that fits the facts. But I didn’t see the impact. I told the driver he backed into me and he didn’t deny. The gas lines at Costco are often wonky with people angling for the shortest line. That day was no different.
He’s an older guy in mid to late 70s if that’s relevant (driving a nice but older Lexus). I was a little worried of his losing insurance over a claim.
The damage seemed pretty minor to my car. But a tiny bit of body damage to a large car panel will require clear coating. That is expensive.
I do not think the other driver had any damage to his car. (He never mentioned damage.) We agreed that I’d get a quote and he could just pay out of pocket. There was an email exchange. If it was too much we could go through his insurance.
The cost was higher than he expected, and he’s contacted his agent who he said i should expect a call from.
I have not contacted my agent at of yet. I’m not sure if I had a duty to notify him for an issue I’m not going to claim. (Even if it means paying out of pocket myself. I could just touch up the large panel which would cut the cost by 75%.)
I’m uncertain what his agent is going to offer or say. I’m assuming he’s going to ask a lot of questions and record the conversion. I have zero experience and don’t want to say anything damaging.
Please advise what I should do at this stage. I don’t want to do anything improper. And if I have, I want to correct that. (AI said I didn’t do anything improper discussing not going through insurance.)
But it feels kind of awkward how this is unfolding. (A one on one with his agent.) And I don’t want to make any missteps. I’m just trying to be made whole.
Thank you!!