I had a little fender bender. Nothing major. I allowed myself to get distracted while waiting for the light to change at an intersection and tapped the car ahead of me. Seriously -a tap. But to the dude driving, it was major. I didn’t have my phone with me so I couldn’t take any pictures.

It was a small spot and smudge on his rear bumper but you would have thought I had rammed him hard. We did the exchange of information and I asked him to text me the photos he took.

I made a report to my insurance, thinking I would just warn them that a claim would be coming from this guy’s insurance. I particularly specified that there was no damage to my car, I was merely sending information.

I did get the photos from the guy and only one photo match what little damage I originally saw. Bad move, not being able to take my own pictures. The ones I received showed more damage than I remembered, included a massive swipe along the bumper.

My insurance asked me to send photos of the damage to my car. Yes there are a few dings and scrapes, but it was a used car, 11 years old. Next thing I know, I’m getting an estimate for repairs to my car. I immediately wrote back and said I’m not claiming and damage. The scratches and whatevers are not new.

I was copied into a message from the estimator to the agent when he forwarded my email to her where I’d stated that I sustained no damage. Basically, “look at what our customer wrote.” I guess people don’t turn down money. However my latest email says payment is on its way.

I realize it doesn’t make any difference to whether my rate will go up or not. Next year I will pay more for my insurance just for making the report. The estimate for the damage they saw in the pictures I sent was $1200 plus. I have a $500 deductible so a check for $700 or so is on its way. Honestly, I should just take the bus, except I can’t always get where I’m going by bus. Story of my life.