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Calliope719 t1_itsb1yn wrote

Reply to comment by Laeek in Help needed from finance people by Appropriate_Toe_2770

>You can offer to settle for a lesser amount.

Don't do this, or make any payments, until you've gotten proof you owe the debt. Starting payments can put you on the hook for the rest whether you owe it or not.

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Starboard_Pete t1_itsgo0b wrote

Seconding this. Years ago, my husband (driving a 12-year-old Prius) was in an accident with an $85k Audi. He was at fault, rear-ended the guy at a low speed during a rolling stop. Even though the Audi guy told him not to worry and that it was ok, he was ok, it was just a scratch, and drove off, he proceeded to claim that his car was near totaled and began repairs to try to get to replacement cost. He also claimed whiplash.

We got an itemized bill through the insurance company and found out he had his scratched Audi towed six times, and charged everything from a new bumper, new paint job, to new front windshield wipers towards the “totaling.” His insurance claimed a “ripple effect” meant all of these repairs were needed.

We refused to pay for 2.5 years, until the other party agreed to mediation, and whipped out the itemized bill immediately which reduced our “owed” debt astronomically. We settled at $12k-ish damage. Still a ton, but manageable. The alternative would have ruined us financially for good.

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Candygramformrmongo t1_itth0gm wrote

Did you not have insurance?

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Starboard_Pete t1_itu78ac wrote

We did, and they were pretty useless throughout the process, suggesting several times that we settle for a higher figure. We switched insurance companies afterward.

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Candygramformrmongo t1_ituyf1v wrote

I guess I don't understand. Your insurance should have provided coverage and paid this.

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gulfofmainah t1_itvj2gm wrote

I mean I’ve never had a honest experience with a auto insurance company they get really serious if your late to pay them but don’t mind at all making you wait for claims, it’s really one of the most corrupt rackets going.

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