I have had people actually tell me that they were in an accident where they weren't hurt but said they were to get money. Apparently, it happens more than one might suppose.

I got hit and was not hurt. Many people told me to claim that I was. How crazy? A co-worker told me that her chiropractor told her that he knew I was hurt and needed to see him. Just looking to make a buck, IMO. I was very grateful to not be hurt.

So, I'm sorry to hear what sounds like a possible scam. Here is a possible upside. I once had an accident where I was in the wrong and my insurance premium ballooned into something huge. However, when I went shopping, I found I could still get a decent rate by switching companies. My significant other had that happen to him, and he was responsible for a good deal of damage. (I guess we're not the best drivers in the world.) So, don't project too much on what will happen to your rates until you go out and get quotes. Also, even if you can't find a good rate. Take what you can get and then, in 6 months, shop again. Do that every 6 months, until you get a chance to reduce the premium significantly by moving your coverage. I have been absolutely amazed at how that can land you in a very affordable policy. Don't ask me to explain how this can work . . . but it does.

Also, you can lower your premium by accepting a larger deductable. I've had situations where I hit and slightly damaged other cars. I always offer to just pay them $50 to $500, depending on how much harm I caused. People often would rather have that cash than get reimbursed for body work. This way my insurance company doesn't know about all my picadillos.

However, when another party wants compensation for physical harm, you are pretty much screwed. It might have been smart for your husband to have gone and filed a police report, immediately, telling his side (that both vehicles were slow moving, etc.) That could undermine the other party's claim that they got serious whiplash.

Hope it works out not too bad for you.