DWI Car Insurance Coverage in New York

Reader’s Question:

On my way to my mother’s house I parked next to the curb, got out of my car, but noticed it was a little too far so I parked it closer. What ended up happening was the rear end of my car hit the front bumper of the car behind me. The driver came out and called the cops. I got two tickets for DWI and reckless driving. I know I will need to go to the courts for this but first I need to know how to make an accident claim in New York?

John

Tyler, TX

If you have collision and comprehensive coverage in New York, then you can make a claim with your insurance company. Normally, if you were in an accident where your vehicle has sustained physical damage, the claim would go under your collision coverage and the deductible associated with this coverage would be due.

Since you’re the one at fault for the accident, you can file a first party claim with your own insurance company. If you have sustained damage to your own vehicle, you would need to place a claim under your collision coverage claim. Then you will need to pay the deductible that you choose at the inception of your policy when you use your own physical damage coverage to repair your vehicle.

Be ready to explain the situation that occurred and have witness statement available to the insurance company to make the claims process easier. Since the claims process can vary a bit from one insurance provider to another, speak to your insurance agent to know the specifics about how to place a claim.