Fender bender with a utility pole in 2023, provider of electricity now seeking repayment of $24,000 for damage caused.

In an unexpected turn of events, a car owner discovered they owed $24,000 to an electric company two years after an accident that totaled their car. The incident occurred in 2023, and there were no cameras or witnesses to confirm the details.

The car owner, who had Geico insurance at the time with full coverage and gap insurance, had swerved off the road to avoid a biker, causing the accident. The reason why a bill for property damage might be sent to an individual instead of their insurance provider is that their contact information came from the original police report.

Property damage liability covers damage you may have caused to someone else's property in an accident. Choosing a higher property damage liability coverage can save an insured individual from paying thousands out-of-pocket. The minimum property damage coverage in most states is $25,000, but in some states like Massachusetts and New Jersey, it is $5,000.

If an individual's previous insurance provider is less than cooperative, it is recommended to have a paper trail of the communications with them regarding the property damage bill. Recording conversations with insurance providers when discussing property damage claims, especially when dealing with claims that are a few years old, can also prove beneficial.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is a safety net for damages caused by drivers with no insurance or not enough. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision-related damage to your vehicle. Medical Payments (MedPay) / Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your medical bills and sometimes lost wages, no matter who is at fault. Liability insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you injure someone in an accident. Collision insurance covers damage to your own vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault.

Full coverage insurance typically includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and other coverages. However, it is important to check the property damage liability component of the car insurance policy and contact the insurance agent for documentation in case of an accident that involves property damage.

In an upcoming article, it will be discussed how car insurance companies try to deny claims and the strategies they use to do so. Timothy Boyer, an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati, will delve into these topics, providing valuable insights for car owners navigating the complex world of car insurance claims.

If you have received an unexpected bill for property damage, it is recommended to share your experience in the comments section below to help others learn from your experiences. Your input could potentially help others avoid similar situations in the future.