This is a hypothetical scenario but I'm thinking of it since I am going on a long trip within the United States.

I currently have a car insurance that covers up to 15000$ damage to other cars. In general, the insurance coverage I have chosen is minimal since I am a new driver in the US and have a low income.

Assume that I am involved in an accident with another car and the damage is 15000$ or less. Also, suppose that either I am fully responsible for the accident or that we are equally responsible.

I have never caused an accident neither in my home country nor here so I have no prior experience with the claim process. The following questions come to my mind:

• What can I do to prevent the other person from claiming a damage cost higher than the actual one and how can I dispute the cost if it's unreasonably high?
• Are there any laws that protect me in these cases?