General Question

On my way home from work yesterday I was lightly rear ended by some tailgating kid, who promptly evaded the scene of the accident.

I was able to follow briefly and get his plate number, and contacted state police.  They came and met with me, and then headed off to do whatever they do with geniuses like this.

I’m fine, there’s no appreciable damage to my car beyond a hard to see scuff on the bumper (the kid’s car was nearly the same color as mine, weirdly) and the my car is due for a clay bar and buff anyway.

Do I bother reporting this to insurance, or taking this any further?  I don’t really feel any need to, but also don’t want to get screwed somehow by not doing it.  I hear rumors that your insurance rates can go up even if you're not at fault, though.

Thoughts?

In reply to nissanvietnam :

Does your car have collision(full-coverage) or just liability? If it’s just liability don’t bother - they probably won’t do anything to assist you.

From You description of he damage, if you can live with the results after fixing it yourself, then that’s what I’d do. 

There's no need to report it to insurance unless you expect something from them on it. 

You don’t want to get “screwed”?  Exactly how would you be screwed?  You said yourself the damage was inconsequential.

Good on you for getting his plates.  Cops need to give this clown a break from driving for awhile.

I would report it to insurance but specifically tell them you're not filing a claim at this time. That way it's on record. 
 

Then spend a little time confirming that the damage is actually inconsequential.  If it turns out not to be, you have the incident on file. 
 

Duke said:

I would report it to insurance but specifically tell them you're not filing a claim at this time. That way it's on record. 
 

Then spend a little time confirming that the damage is actually inconsequential.  If it turns out not to be, you have the incident on file. 
 

No need to report it. Keep the police report number and if more damage is found later, file a claim. If he didn't file a report, that will be the first request of the insurance company.

Call your agent and start with the word "hypothetically" and then tell your story. They tend to have good advice.

Duke said:

I would report it to insurance but specifically tell them you're not filing a claim at this time. That way it's on record. 
 

Then spend a little time confirming that the damage is actually inconsequential.  If it turns out not to be, you have the incident on file. 
 

do this.. it protects you should the other person sue or file against you..  My parents failed to do this once.. The guy said that we backed into him.. on a road.. Said my parents were high..  

So always report it to insurance.

Always get a police report..  Contact the state patrol and get a copy of the police report.  If a trooper visited you and heard what happened, He will have a report..  

What a nightmare that was that happened to my parents.. Luckily their insurance just took care of it.. 

You've reported it to the police, so there will be a police report. That report will eventually be available, or given, to insurance cos. Ins cos won't like it if you don't tell them. So, as Paul mentioned above, call your agent but DO NOT start with the word "hypothetically" just tell them. That way you have fulfilled your obligation and the agent can keep it quiet You were not at fault and are not making a claim. 

Report it to your agent, but make it clear you do NOT want to open a claim at this time.

Paul_VR6 said:

Call your agent and start with the word "hypothetically" and then tell your story. They tend to have terrible advice.

FTFY