So my wife got in a small fender bender in her office parking lot this morning. She was backing up, some guy tried to drive around her when she was backing up (rather than waiting), and there was a small crunch.

My wife's car has has a broken tail light, the other car has a dented fender, cracked bumper and is leaking wiper fluid.

The cops say, they're not going to take down a report since the accident was on private property and they should each just take care of their own car.

We're not going to claim it. The other guy probably will and insists that we give him our insurance info.

I don't want to do that, I'm not sure why he needs our insurance info. What should I do? Am I legally obligated to give him the info?

 

If you are driving in your parking lot, and someone is backing out of a parking spot, then it's the person backing up who is at fault most likely. If he hit you from your left rear door and beyond then it's his fault. So this actually seems like a good case for you as for insurance, im not so sure. I mean you can exchange and all, but even if he says anything he would be at fault
EDIT: thats how it generally works which side where you hit on, drivers or the passengers, that makes a world of difference
EDIT 2: The problem is, more in depth as I have a bit of time is that the person who is driving has the right of way not the one backing out, so thats hard to fight, on top of that its still circumstantial, if the guys was flying through the parking lot like a mad man, even though he had right of way, it will be advantage to you, there are many variables that completely change the situation.

 

I second that: AFAIK anyone doing a maneuver (even getting out of a parking slot) must give way to other drivers. Sorry pal, but it seems to me your wife is at fault.

 

The officer is correct that since it did not happen on public roads and there were no injuries a report was not needed. I understand that we operate under a no fault insurance here in Ontario. What that means is that if there is no report and no clear cut indications as too who is at fault (signed statement from other party admitting actions) then each parties insurance companies pay for the damage repair. I don't recall any legislation requiring you to submit your insurance info to the other driver however I would suggest you call your insurance company this morning to confirm.

 

Yes, what he said!

 

Verdict: My insurance company did find my wife at fault (no surprise there), but with my squeaky clean (no claims in 10+ years) record they gave me a free "shot" LOL, no increase in my premium.

 

Great conclusion. Did you ever find out if you are required to release your insurance info to the other driver if no police were involved and it happened on private property?

 

Hi Mikeh,

Yes, I had to hand over the info. According to the police and my insurance company, you are obligated, by law, to hand over the info for any motor vehicle accident regardless of location or how much damage there is.

 

Good to know. not that i want to be in that situation with my baby! never the less i'm happy to hear your insurance company didn't screw you over! congrats considering!