I was in a car accident in Feb. 07. I thought I had insurance, but found out afterwards that I did not. That was all fine. I was willing to pay the damages that the woman I hit had. However, Geico NEVER sent me any paperwork documenting her damages. There was no itimized bill. I asked repeatedly for one and they never sent me anything beside a paper saying that I owed this outrageous amount. The cop at the scene said it was less than $500 damage that she had and Geico's bill was over $3000! Anyway, I sent them a check for 10% of the claim. In the memo, I put "disputed account- paid in full." I also sent a letter with the check stating that I never received the paperwork I requested, that I was willing to settle the matter for 10% of the claim. They cashed the check, so I know they receievd the letter. The check memo stated the account was paid in full. Now Geico is taking me to court for the claim. Is there a way around this? They will not send me any paperwork of this woman's bill, damages, estimates, nothing. They are just telling me a number and expect me to pay it. I am a responsible person and willing to pay the damages, but only when I know what I am paying for. Please help. What should I do? What are my options? Thanks!

You go to court armed with your letters requesting an accounting of the damages, the cancelled check and anything else you have. You tell the judge, that you have repeatedly asked for documentation and been rebuffed. And that Geico cashed a check with a paid in full memo.

Whether you win or not will depend on the judge. The problem here is that Geico has their own claims adjusters. So if their adjuster examined the car and estimated damages at $3K, then there is not much else they need. They may not be required to fully document the damages, simply produce the adjuster's report.

Also, the amount may be correct. I've been told that a good rule of thumb is that a dent small enough to cover with your thumb is going to cost about $500 to fix, so that gives you some idea of what you may be facing. People are always shocked at how much bodywork costs.

Something's not adding up here ; if you were uninsured, then why is Geico demanding payment from you now, apparently for reimbursement for a claim they paid out on your behalf? Or is Geico the other party's insurer and demanding reimbursement directly from you since you have no insurance carrier for them to subjugate against? Either way, I agree that you should insist on seeing all relevant documentation prior to paying them anything. If they won't produce it, then go right into court with them and tell the judge that they have refused to present you with any documentation supporting this claim. As for that matter, was it ever proven that you were at fault and are thus liable for these damages at all? You should dispute any notion that you are at fault and gather whatever evidence you can to support that.