Less than a month ago, I was involved in a collision with a street sign pole and I knocked it down. No one was injured and no cars were hit other than mine. I called the cops and firefighters (liquid leaking out from underneath) to put soil on it. I was so freaked out. Anyways, the cop wrote down a report and he has my name, address, etc. I asked him if I have to claim it through my insurance (I got one way) and he shook his head. He did give me the claim number and told me to keep it just incase
I still feel bad that I caused city property damage and I'm not claiming it through my insurance. It was my fault and I am officially "at fault" for hitting it, so I get jack all anyways and my rates go up. I want a second opinion since people are telling me two things now. Who pays for that sign? Will they send me a bill for it or am I looking at worse problems? Or will the taxpayers unfortunately pay for this?
Keep in mind this is in Quebec by the way.
I don't understand. Why make a "claim" you aren't claiming anything. I admit I don't know Quebec but I don't know any province that rquires you to file a claim if you don't want to. You reported the accident the police got the information they know who did it. You've done your duty.
I mean if you back into a pole dent your car and then decide to fix it yourself you don't need to cvall your insurance company. I can tell you what I'd do now that you've reported it to police. Nothing.
What could happen?
1. The city sees the police report and sends you a bill. Then you
A. Pay it yourself
or
B If its considerably more than your deductible file a claim with your insurance company let them pay it and risk your rates rising (depends on the insurance Co. Mine gives you a freebie if you've been accident free with them for a number of years)
2. The city doesn't bother to look at the police report and fixes it themselves with either their insurance company paying or out fo their own maintenance fund (meaning taxperys pay)
If you really feel that bad why not call the city works dept and offer to pay for the sign?
Like I said if it were me I'd do nothing. and try not to hit any more signs