What to Pay Attention to When the Other Party is Fully Liable for Damage Assessment
4 Answers
When the other party is fully liable for damage assessment, please note: Since the assessment is generally conducted by the other party's insurance company, it is essential to actively communicate with the other party and their insurance company as soon as the traffic police determine the accident liability and issue the accident liability certificate. This helps prevent the other party's insurance company from evading responsibility. If the other party's insurance company refuses to conduct the assessment, you can report the issue to the traffic police department or the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) with the accident liability certificate. Regarding who should advance the repair costs after the assessment, unless the at-fault party agrees to advance the payment and reimburse through repair invoices, you should never pay out of pocket. Otherwise, if the at-fault party delays repayment after the claim is settled, it can become very troublesome to resolve.
When dealing with the other party's full liability in damage assessment, I'm extra cautious because I've been burned before. First, I ensure the scene is safe, take photos after parking—including wide-angle shots, the other party's license plate, and all damaged areas—to prevent them from denying responsibility. Then I contact their insurance company directly to send an adjuster for evaluation, avoiding handling it myself hastily to prevent underreporting damages. I insist on repairs at an authorized 4S shop for guaranteed quality and supervise the process to prevent corner-cutting. Finally, I meticulously review the damage assessment report, verifying labor hours and parts are accurately listed, and never rush to sign until the car is tested post-repair. Experience taught me timely action is key—delaying risks blurring evidence, so handling it promptly saves headaches later.
I just encountered such an accident and was completely panicked. My first reaction was to take photos and videos, recording the time, location, and details of the other vehicle to ensure sufficient evidence. Although calling the police wasn't mandatory, I filed a report for added safety. After contacting the other party's insurance, I chose their recommended repair shop, but later realized it's better to go with a familiar one. During the damage assessment, I closely reviewed the estimate, checking every item to avoid overlooking hidden damages like electrical issues. The whole process was time-consuming, but I learned to ask more questions and not let them brush me off. Keeping communication smooth helps avoid disputes later on.
The key is it doesn't cost me a penny. I immediately gather evidence by taking photos, including close-ups of the damage and the scene, then directly file a claim with the other party's insurance. During the damage assessment, I strive for a high valuation and insist on OEM parts for repairs, never compromising with cheap alternatives. I supervise the repair process to prevent counterfeit replacements. Before finalizing, I carefully review the expense list to ensure it covers rental car fees or emotional distress compensation, leaving no detail overlooked. Saving money but not settling for less is my principle—I fight for full compensation. Handling it promptly avoids disputes.
