Phantome Vehicle.? Simple Scenario: I was driving and stopped for a school bus. The driver behind me hit my car. I felt one impact. Damage was front his front bumper and my rear. No damage was found on his rear at scene of accident. Situation was written by police officer for following to close for driver of vehicle that hit mine. Driver who hit me claims that a phantom vehicle behind him came in contact with his vehicle which caused it to hit mine. Police officer did not pay much attention to this but I assume he probably took note of that.

We both have the same insurance company. My agent is telling me that my deductable is not waived that I may have to pay it due to the possibility of the phantom vehicle being involved.

My question: Why would I pay for the claim out of my coverage when a ticket was issued by a police officer in my favor and there is no actual evidence to conclude this phantom vehicle? I am the victim and I am paying 100%.

you ALWAYS i repeat ALWAYS have to pay your deductible when going through YOUR POLICY regardless of fault.

Since they havent determined liability yet under dude #2's policy.. your only choice if you want repairs RIGHT NOW is to go through your own.

You are welcome to wait around while they investigate and determine liability and if they eventually find him at fault.. then you can go through HIS policy free of charge.

Make sense?

Its not just "oh the other guys at fault" and LIKE THAT you suddenly dont have to pay your deductible on your own policy. If you want to get itdone free.. you have to go through his and that takes time (although, i think they will probably accept liability under his claim eventually if there truly is no damage to the rear of his vehicle)

and btw... please someone tell me... why on earth they think the insurance company would be doing this for fun. It amazes me how people think insurance tries to "screw you over". So your telling me.. that when there other customer says there was a 3rd vehicle.. they shouldnt investigate that for someone who pays them monthly?

How on earth would they benefit if this girl goes through her own policy instead? regardless they are still paying for the loss! Uneducated stupid people who think the world is out to get them crack me up

Wait...your insurance agent is telling you that you'll pay for the REPAIR, or the DEDUCTIBLE?

Because if it's the former, you're getting screwed. I'd look into getting a lawyer, if the damage is bad. I'd definitely threaten to contact your state/country/whatever's insurance regulators, and Consumerist.com and whoever else covers stories like this.

If it's the latter, well, there it's more ambiguous.

If there was no damage to your attacker's bumper, he's lying. You shouldn't be paying for anything.

If there is, he might not be lying, it might not be the fault of anyone whose insurance is actually involved, and he shouldn't be paying your deductible.

Regardless, the insurance company could just be trying to weasel out of it.