Got rear-ended merging onto the highway — other driver's insurance is stalling. Fix it myself first?

I went through almost the exact same thing last year — brand new car, rear-ended, other insurance playing games. I ended up using my own collision coverage to get the repairs done and it was 100% the right call. My insurer went after the other company for reimbursement (they call it subrogation) and I eventually got my deductible back. Don't let your car sit in limbo while they drag their feet.

That "coverage question" line is a classic delay tactic. They use it to buy time hoping you get frustrated, accept a lowball offer, or make a mistake they can use against you. Don't give them a recorded statement without thinking it through carefully. They are not on your side — full stop.

The "coverage question" thing usually means one of a few things: the at-fault driver may have had a lapse in their policy, they might be claiming the policy doesn't cover that vehicle, or there's a dispute about who was a listed driver. None of that is your problem to solve — it's theirs. Go through your own insurance, let them deal with it. That's what you pay premiums for.

Using your own collision coverage won't hurt your ability to pursue the other driver or their insurer later. Your insurance company actually steps into your shoes legally once they pay out — they'll chase the other carrier for the money. Just make sure you document everything before the car goes into the shop: every angle, close-ups of every scratch and crease. And keep copies of every communication with both insurers.

Not legal advice, but: the fact that you were rear-ended while merging — and had already initiated your merge — generally puts fault squarely on the driver behind you. A "coverage dispute" on their end doesn't change the underlying liability picture. If this drags on or they try to push any partial fault onto you, it might be worth a free consult with a PI attorney just to understand your options. Most won't charge anything upfront.

Hey — are you doing okay physically? Sometimes the adrenaline from a crash masks soreness that shows up a day or two later, especially in the neck and shoulders. Even if you feel fine right now, it's worth getting checked out. Document any symptoms, even mild ones. Don't just focus on the car.

Three weeks old, oh my gosh. I would be absolutely devastated. I'm so sorry. Please make sure you're taking care of yourself through this — insurance stuff is stressful and it's okay to feel frustrated and angry about it.

File through your own insurance, get the car fixed, keep every receipt and every email. Stop waiting on the other carrier to figure out their internal mess — that could take months. Your insurer has an incentive to move fast and go after the other company. Use that.

Quick question — did you get a copy of the actual police report yet, or just the case number? And did the officer note anything about fault at the scene? Asking because if there's any ambiguity in the report, that could be part of what the other insurer is "investigating." Worth knowing what the report actually says before assuming it's all on their side.