Topic: New help with an insurance claim

[Burnboy]

So i just got in a wreck, everyone is fine just damaged cars. But I have some questions on the claim process. I know rules vary by state and insurance policies but any info or advice would be appreciated.

So I was sitting at a stoplight in my '94 civic and a truck rear ended me going about 15mph or so and it caused me to hit the car in front of me. The rear of my car is #$%*ed but still drivable the front is mostly fine.

My question is how is the damage to the front of my car covered? Is it the initiator of the accidents fault for all damage to all cars? Is it somehow my fault for being too close even though I was sitting still? The cop said the girl my car hit would be responsible for my damage but that seems backwards. The damage to the front was minor and Id hate for her to have to pay for it since it wasn't her fault at all.

Also how does insurance pay for a previously 'damaged' part? My bumper was already scuffed up  a bit, will this accident cover cover the cost of buying the new part and refinishing it completely?
Thanks for any info.

[myhondas]

Not sure about KY. but in Ohio, the party that caused the accident is responsible for all of the damage. It might be that you or your insurance co. would have to pay for the damage your car did to the one in front of you and then would subrogate to the insurance co of the person that hit you. Some states have no fault insurance. I would never want to live in one of those states. you or your insurance co. would pay only for your own damage and not the other party's. Which means you would always have to pay your deductable no matter who was at fault. SUCKS !

[seaweb11]

As for previous damage, be up front with it and they will treat you right knowing you are being forthcoming.

[Burnboy]

Kentucky is a no fault state. I wasn't sure what that means, but when my roommate's car got hit while parked he didnt have to pay his deductible.

[BobbyR]

I too was the "middleman" once. The car you hit goes after your company(not a big deal), your Company goes after th person that hit you. Sometimes their Company just settles with you both to get it over with.

[Burnboy]

From what Ive been reading this is what I think will happen. Car 1,hit me, car 2 is me,  car 3 I hit. So car 3 goes after my insurance, my insurance goes after car one for my damages and the price they had to pay for car 3. Me and car 3 shouldn't be out of pocket on anything.

[BobbyR]

YEP

[myhondas]

But I don't think that is what happens in a no fault insurance state. not positive, but from what I have heard, each party covers their own therefore the no-fault.

[Gordon]

But I don't think that is what happens in a no fault insurance state. not positive, but from what I have heard, each party covers their own therefore the no-fault.

Correct. 

My wife was in the exact same type of incident a year ago, except she was car #3 (in front).  We live in Colorado, a no-fault state.  A truck smashed into the truck behind her, which smashed into her, totaling her car.  We went through our insurance to recoup the value of the car.

In no-fault states, your insurance is what pays for damages to your vehichle regardless of who caused the wreck.  Any damage to other vehicles is paid by that person's insurance, if they have it.  Seems like about half the drivers around here don't.