What to Pay Attention to When the Other Party is Fully Liable for Damage Assessment
2 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.
