If my passenger opens the door of our parked vehicle (no?

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If my passenger opens the door of our parked vehicle (not running) and by accident his door hits the parked vehicle beside us and causes a minor dent and scratch, is this considered an at fault accident for me the driver? And if so would it impact my insurance the same as if it was an actual auto collision?

The legal definition of an at-fault accident varies from state to state and from company to company. Generally, an accident is a sudden fortuitous event. CarInsurance.com defines an automobile accident as a collision, because it could be on purpose. Most law enforcement now use this proper terminology.

By your definition of the events, it should not be an at-fault accident charged to you. This would be filed under your property damage liability coverage.

If the police arrived they could charge you, the vehicle owner with an at-fault accident (but not likely to hold up in court). If your company pays the claim, they can increase your rates because of paying 'a claim' AND yes, this could have the same impact of 'a claim' that is paid for an actual auto collision.

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Visitor Comments

I dont no. do i have to bring my car to a police station for their investigation of a hit and run that i am accused of but absolutely did nothing wrong. I stopped my car next to theirs before entering a driveway in order to allow an auto exiting when she came running after my car screaming damage. there was no damage to her car and my car had an old dent which claims was from hitting hers. I left my car there, enteredthe doctors office, told her where i was and to have any police she called totalk to me right there. they never did. But i am getting notices to bring my car to the police station.

Question Details

This car insurance question was asked on 11/25/2005

This auto insurance answer was last updated on 11/27/2005

Kathy requested this car insurance solution.

Rated 8 out of 10 based on 2 votes.

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