Motor Vehicle Accident Report – Answers
Sandy asks…
What does carfax accident report with “vehicle functional” mean?
The exact language on Carfax is:
“Accident reported
Vehicle involved in collision
with another motor vehicle
Vehicle functional”
Does this mean they drove away after the accident? Is it safe to assume this was a minor accident?
admin answers:
Doesn’t mean it was a minor accident, but it does mean that the vehicle was driveable and they drove it away from the accident. Functional in that context means able to drive, it functioned. That doesn’t mean it didn’t fall apart after it got off the road. And it could also mean it was just a fender bender with limited damage. If there was a report made, the damage to one of the vehicles was substantial enough to file a report.
Sandra asks…
I was at-fault in a car accident, and didn’t receive a citation. Will this appear on my motor vehicle report?
I am applying for employment with a company, who will be checking my motor vehicle report/driving record. I want to know if no citation was issued, though I was at fault, if this will still appear on the report.
admin answers:
Yes, it will show up under the accident reporting agency for your state. Even though you were not cited, you were involved in the accident, insurance companies assess responsibility values or percentages, citing the fact that all involved in an accident had some responsibility. I once worked for the State of Washington in the accident processing section. We would read accident reports issued by the law enforcement or insurnace companies. An employer can go back 3yrs on your driving record, they do not see all of the info, however, a very good deal of it. If you have an alcohol related occurance on your license, they can request info going back ten years.
Maria asks…
Insurance companies by default report to DMV and it goes to your motor vehicle report?
If you have a minor at fault accident and it was not reported to police in such cases insurance companies always report to DMV and it goes to your motor vehicle report and can it affect getting a job or promotion?
admin answers:
No.
Insurance companies report to a database shared by them. They do not report to law enforcement.
Your DMV driving record and your CLUE report (this is the insurance database) are separate.
I would be pretty shocked if your employer were to check CLUE, and even more so if they were to hold a minor at fault accident against you.
Chris asks…
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and the other party is trying to get me to pay a ridiculous amount!
The accident was minor, I lightly backed into the back bumper of a “NJ access” vehicle (possibly a state vehicle). We exchanged insurance information and the police came and filed a report, it says “minor damages” to the vehicles. I saw her bumper, it was barely any damage if any. I thought the situation was over until I heard from a “third party” agency that is contracted to handle claims for the vehicle owner. They are attempting to get $700. They sent me an estimate in writing and it sounds crazy. There is no way there is that much damage. I told her this and I “bargained” her down to $600, which is fishy! What can I do here? I ABSOLUTELY cannot get insurance invovled because of prior accident history and other factors. If I don’t pay I’m afraid I will get sued. Do they legally have to get a few estimates, perhaps one at a body shop of my choice? What course of action do I have here? Can I make them get another estimate?
admin answers:
Having done autobody work over the years… $700 for a minor bumper damage sounds about right. Have you ever watched any of the videos for the insurance institute crash test system. The 5mph bumper tests have show to cause upwards of $5,000 in damage to some cars.
Basically if you hit the person, and choose not to turn it into insurance then bite the bullet. I am not trying to be a jerk but it sounds like you shouldn’t even be behind the wheel of a car based on the statement of prior accident history. How many accidents have you had?
Be glad they haven’t turned it in to theirs or your insurance company. If you got them down to $600 pay it and be done. Just remember this the bumper cover alone on most cars runs about $500. On my car it is $850 and that is an unpainted cover, add labor for prep and paint it would be an easy $1200 repair.
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