A few weeks ago, I was leaving my mom’s doctor’s appointment and looking for her car in the parking garage. A woman called out to me and asked if a nearby car was mine. It was, and she started accusing me of scraping her car. Her car had a big white scrape on the driver’s side. I told her that wasn’t possible because I drive a lifted truck, and if I had hit her car, it would’ve done way more damage like breaking her window or hitting her mirror.
She didn’t seem convinced but said it looked like something that could be buffed out. I thought that was the end of it. Fast forward, and she must have taken a picture of my license plate because my mom got a call from our insurance about a claim. My mom explained what happened, and the insurance company said they wouldn’t pay since I wasn’t at fault and, technically, I’m not on the policy.
Now I’ve been getting calls from a company called Recovery Partners saying there’s an insurance claim in my name. I just got a letter from them demanding $7,000. I have no idea what to do. I’ve never been in an accident, and this whole situation is stressing me out. Any advice?
Call the collection agency and ask for details about the claim. If it’s related to the parking garage incident, tell them you didn’t hit her car and that you won’t pay. Also, be aware that insurance typically follows the car, so if you live with your mom, you should be added to her policy. Most insurance companies require all licensed drivers in a household to be on the policy.
Quincy said: @Farrell
Thank you! I also just got a letter demanding $7,000. I’m freaking out but will call them tomorrow to figure out what’s going on.
Take your time before calling. Think about what information they might try to get from you. It’s better to prepare and avoid giving them anything that could be used against you.
So you own the car, but your mom’s insurance covers it and you’re not on the policy? That might explain why your name is coming up in this claim. If that’s the case, it’s worth checking how your mom’s policy works and whether it covers non-listed drivers.
@Jory
Yes, I own the car, but the insurance is under my mom’s name. We live in California, and it’s with a small local insurance company, not one of the big ones like State Farm.
Quincy said: @Jory
Yes, I own the car, but the insurance is under my mom’s name. We live in California, and it’s with a small local insurance company, not one of the big ones like State Farm.
That explains why your name came up. But it’s strange for this to go to collections so quickly after the supposed incident. How long ago was this exactly?
If you call the collection agency, be very careful about what you say. Deny any accident or responsibility. Don’t discuss who’s insured, who owns the car, or anything else they could use against you. Just flatly deny involvement. These people are trying to profit off this situation, so don’t give them anything to work with.