I was in an auto accident and have to pay out of pocket to fix the damage.?

Question

Since I am paying for the damage, do I have any say as to where the work is to be done? Should I be granted more then one estimate. I want her to have good work, yet I don't want to get screwed at the same time.

This kinda of a crazy situation the car is a 2001 Honda Odyesse with a mileage of 51000 in excellent condition prior to the accident.
The Estimate to fix the car is $7800.00 which I think is crazy since the damage is mostly to the bumper and hatch. No damage to the frame or tank. I'm concerned aboout them totaling it out. Thats why I want another estimate....

The Cost of the Honda is about:

$14,500.00 - $17,500.00

Answer 1

You have no say in where the vehicle gets fixed. The owner of the damaged vehicle has the choice. Legally she can take it wherever she likes and needs only provide one estimate. To total out a car, the cost of the repair must be in excess of 75% of the value of the vehicle. Go to kbb.com to get an estimated market value by zip code to determine the cars value. This van has a unibody frame and if the rear bumper and hatch need replaced, you can bet there is unibody frame damage. To cover your butt though, call PDA (Property Damage Appraisers) they are nationwide and will do a mobile estimate for about $100. By the way, i am a body shop manager who deals with this kinda thing on a daily basis. The rest of these ppl have no idea what they are talking about. No offense people....

Answer 2

It depends on the situation-

If you were at fault in the accident and you didn't have insurance and you don't want anyone to find out that you were driving illegally without insurance so you cut a side deal with the owner of the car to avoid getting into trouble with your local motor vehicle bureau then the owner has you by the balls.

In the event that you have not broken any laws or you would prefer to pay out of pocket to avoid an insurance claim then I would suggest that it is reasonable to require 3 estimates. $7800 seems to be a bit excessive so I would at least determine if two other estimates fall within that price range.

Answer 3

You can't control where it gets fixed or how many estimates. That's more money than you should pay yourself. Why haven't you turned this into your insurance company? That way they pay for only what's related with a low labor rate and it costs less. I know you may be worried that your rates will go up, but even if they did, would they go up $7800? I don't think so. They probably wouldn't go up to equal that even if you had a surcharge for 3 years on your policy.

Now if you have no insurance, that's a different story, but still there's little you can do to control those things.

Answer 4

I am assuming you do not have any insurance, because if you did, you would be a fool to not claim $7800.

Go to Kelley Blue Book online (www.kbb.com) to research the value of the car for your area. If the amount of the damage is more than the value of the car in a private party sale, then you pay the value of the car. It is unlikely that this will be the case.

The owner of the car is able to have it repaired wherever they choose, but if you can prove that the fair cost for the repair is not $7800, you (usually) can pay the fair cost. If you really want to go that route, consult a lawyer.

Answer 5

As you're paying out of pocket, it's pretty safe to assume that you were driving without insurance and you're trying to avoid being prosecuted for that and possibly losing your license. Given that, you should be thankful that the owner is agreeing to that and that you have the means to pay. No, you don't get any say in where the work is done unless the owner decides to accept your recommendation. Of course, he's under no obligation to do so.

Answer 6

Unless you are a repair expert, how can you say their is no damage to the frame? you can't, This is just one of those times where you will have to come to a mutual agreement as to where you will get the car fixed, and as to how much you are willing to pay. You can always settle it by going to court...
Either way, best thing to do is bite the bullet and get through as best as possible and put this one far behind...
Good luck.

Answer 7

You obviously didn't have insurance and since it is a law in all 50 states that you have insurance, you are reaping what you sew.
If you had insurance they would be taking care of this for you, they would be fighting the fight. By driving without insurance I don't feel sorry for you at all. I'm just grateful you didn't hit me.


Read the question people! It's not his car being fixed,he hit another person's vehicle.

Answer 8

the wonderful element to do is to enable your coverage company handle it. they are going to verify the wear and tear to the different man or woman's automobile and pay for any reasonable and mandatory damages brought about with the aid of your son's accident. sounds like they are going to finished the different automobile... yet to respond to the question, you may not dictate your coverage company's claims technique. i'm helpful they're going to do all they might to no over-pay the declare.

Answer 9

This question doesn't make any sense. If you're paying, then the insurance company wouldn't be involved in any transaction, so they wouldn't care who fixes it or if it's ever fixed. "Total Loss" is a financial concept, so that also wouldn't apply.

Answer 10

You always have the right to take your car any place to get it fixed! But do not think for a second that the insurance company will be nice, stand your ground!