Honestly, it's time to call your own insurance company.
I am so sorry you’re dealing with this. There is nothing more frustrating than being the victim of an accident and then getting ghosted by the person who hit you. Since your car is undrivable, you really can’t afford to wait for them to "eventually" get back to you. The longer you wait, the longer you're stuck without a ride.
In the industry, this is what people call a collision claim through your own policy. Here is why you should probably make that call today:
- Your company works for you: The other driver’s insurance doesn't have any loyalty to you. Their goal is to save money. Your insurance company, however, has a vested interest in getting your car fixed and getting you back on the road.
- Subrogation: This sounds like a fancy legal term, but it’s actually your best friend right now. When you file through your own insurance, they pay for your repairs (minus your deductible). Then, their legal team goes after the other guy's insurance to get that money back. Once they win, they usually get your deductible back for you too.
- Speed: Your insurance will likely get an adjuster out to look at your car within a few days. If you keep waiting on the other guys, you could be sitting there for weeks.
Will this make your insurance rates go up?
This is the big question everyone has. Generally speaking, if you are zero percent at fault (which sounds like the case since he blew a stop sign), many states have laws preventing insurance companies from raising your premiums for a "not-at-fault" claim. Even in states where they can technically raise it, most reputable companies won't penalize you for someone else's mistake. It’s worth asking your agent directly, but usually, your peace of mind and having a working car are worth way more than a potential small bump in premium.
Pro-tip: Make sure you have the police report number ready when you call your insurance. If the other guy admitted fault at the scene and it’s in that report, it makes the whole process go a lot faster. Don't let that other company's radio silence stress you out anymore—let your insurance company be the "bad guy" and do the fighting for you!