The accident was minor, I lightly backed into the back bumper of a "NJ access" vehicle (possibly a state vehicle). We exchanged insurance information and the police came and filed a report, it says "minor damages" to the vehicles. I saw her bumper, it was barely any damage if any. I thought the situation was over until I heard from a "third party" agency that is contracted to handle claims for the vehicle owner. They are attempting to get $700. They sent me an estimate in writing and it sounds crazy. There is no way there is that much damage. I told her this and I "bargained" her down to $600, which is fishy! What can I do here? I ABSOLUTELY cannot get insurance invovled because of prior accident history and other factors. If I don't pay I'm afraid I will get sued. Do they legally have to get a few estimates, perhaps one at a body shop of my choice? What course of action do I have here? I feel like its not worth it to them to get an attorney invovled for such a small accident. HELP!
2007-03-28 02:41:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
You're responsible for the damage you caused. Did you take photos of the damage on the scene? $700, when considering labor rates, parts, refinish times, is reasonable. Pay it.
2007-03-31 17:34:41 · answer #1 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are not going to get your insurance company involved then you will have to accept a couple of facts.
1. Unless you are a body shop professional you will be shocked at how much it costs to repair what looks like minor damages. Their estimate is probably pretty accurate. However, if the other vehicle is more than 1 year old you MAY only owe for used parts which are cheaper. You should look at a copy of their estimate to see if that is the case. Body work and labor rates are very expensive and add up quickly and the numbers shock the average citizen. In most states, they do have to get more than 1 estimate.
2. They have you backed into a corner, especially if they know that you do not want to involve your insurance carrier. If you want to avoid them getting your company involved or avoid them suing you then you will need to work out some kind of payment with them. If $600 is the agreed upon figure then you now have a verbal contract and while a verbal contract is hard to prove in court it's a legal contract. After verifying the used parts issue I would suggest that you make payment arrangements ASAP to avoid going to court because they may be able to add on court costs to what you already owe and you can figure a minimum of $100 for that.
Good Luck
2007-03-28 10:02:23 · answer #2 · answered by fighting saints 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you have chosen not to get insurance involved for whatever reason you have, then you need to pay the $600 you agreed to and get a release, or write on the back or the check or money order that you pay with on the left hand side above the signature line "Guarantees Payment in Full by Signature".
If you don't pay, they can get your insurance information from the State and file a claim with your insurance company any way or worse yet, if you do not have an active policy on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles on your registration, they can report it to the authorities and your lisence may end up being suspended.
2007-03-28 09:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to what others have said here, I suggest you watch The People's Court on CW for a week or two. There's sure to be a collision case in that time. $600 is peanuts, even for what looks like minor damage.
And regardless of what any other answerer says, you don't get to choose where the work gets done; the other party does.
2007-03-31 12:34:39 · answer #4 · answered by The Phlebob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't pay a dime without legitimate estimates! You should have involved your insurance company - they are structured to take care of this fraudulent activity. I would suggest that you contact your insurance company and let them handle it. If you insist on handling it yourself, then you could be proactive and offer them some reasonable amount to have the "damage" fixed. Under no circumstance would I allow them to railroad me to pay a fraudulent amount - even if it means paying higher insurance premiums in the long run. Ultimately, that decision is yours. Good luck.
2007-03-28 10:13:24 · answer #5 · answered by Doug R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, just tell them "i talked to my insurance co. Bring it the the shop as destinated, they will fix it for you. on the time being, you will be paid to get a rental car"
You can decide which shop it would be, a little repaint job would cost much. Rental car cost like what? $30 a day? you will end up spending around $200.
you should just becareful...
Else wise, you will have to get the insurance co. involve. Because in the future, some azzhole like those would claim for injuries, etc... you will be in bigger trouble.
My suggestion:
DONT PAY! OR ELSE THEY WOULD KEEP ASKING MORE!
2007-03-28 09:54:39 · answer #6 · answered by steak5959 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is something that your insurance company should be handling. But if you must handle this by your self, I would see an attorney, (some attorneys will see you for free) to get legal advice on what needs to be done.
2007-03-28 09:45:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't pay, they will get it out of your insurance company.
Car repairs through insurance companies have turned into
a major scam....Just like anything involving lawyers & insurance companies....Look what has happened to medical care costs
over the past few decades...
2007-03-28 09:46:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it was your fault and you don't want to get your insurance involved, you should pay the 600.
2007-03-28 09:48:11 · answer #9 · answered by lisa w 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋