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? Can I make them get another estimate?
2007-03-28 02:53:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Having done autobody work over the years... $700 for a minor bumper damage sounds about right. Have you ever watched any of the videos for the insurance institute crash test system. The 5mph bumper tests have show to cause upwards of $5,000 in damage to some cars.
Basically if you hit the person, and choose not to turn it into insurance then bite the bullet. I am not trying to be a jerk but it sounds like you shouldn't even be behind the wheel of a car based on the statement of prior accident history. How many accidents have you had?
Be glad they haven't turned it in to theirs or your insurance company. If you got them down to $600 pay it and be done. Just remember this the bumper cover alone on most cars runs about $500. On my car it is $850 and that is an unpainted cover, add labor for prep and paint it would be an easy $1200 repair.
2007-03-28 03:00:34 · answer #1 · answered by deadlandsthemovie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason the price is so high, is because the bumper is more than likely going to have to be replaced, and replacing a bumper will cost around that much. If you dont file the claim with your insurance company, they wont know about it right away, but if the police filed a report, and you are either ticketed, or make a payout, the insurance company may find out about it anyway. If you think the bumper can just be buffed and/or painted, find a shop that will do so, and recommend it to her. Its a stressful situation, but I hope it all works out for you!
2007-03-28 05:38:31 · answer #2 · answered by JUSTIN F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, i'd require the other party to get 3 estimates, and at least one at a shop you recommend.
But, if the bumper is one of the new rubber/plastic "ten mile per hour bumpers", those can be expensive to repair, or especially replace. If it is painted, that adds to the cost, too. And there might be damage to the inner construction, too, which ain't cheap! I haven't seen but a few repaired bumpers, so go figure! Usually the bumper cover has to be replaced!
If your insurance is any good, your local agent might be amenable to inspecting the bumper. Thats if you can get the other party to take their car there.
2007-03-28 03:06:30 · answer #3 · answered by James H 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
geesh.. people dont realize how much accidents cost. 600.00 for bumper damage (yes even minor) is VERY REASONABLE. and no, by law they are NOT required to go to body shops for you. They went through their insurance (like you should have) and now their insurance wants their money back. THey have already paid that amount and they deserve their money back. If you wanted to be treated "fairly" for your estimate.. you should have let your insurance handle it.. they would pay minimum needed for repairs.
btw.. you know your insurance will know about the accident anyways right? They pull up accident history from the police.
If you dont pay you do realize they will get your license suspended and garnish your wages or sue you right?
2007-03-28 11:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by la428282 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the reason why you have insurance. Send anything you get from the "third party agency" to your insurance agent, and let them handle it for you. Oh, that's right, you don't, do you? Do two things. 1. Pay them for the damage you caused, and be glad it's not a whole lot more. 2. Either get insurance, or stop driving.
2007-03-28 03:01:15 · answer #5 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
700.00 for a new bumper sounds about right. I did minor damage to my bumper a couple of years ago and to have it replaced was just under 700.00. There was no other damage than to have the bumper removed and have a new one put on.
2007-03-28 04:24:02 · answer #6 · answered by blb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not have any new insight but I do want to reinforce Deadlands answer. Automotive repair is getting very expensive these days. $700 might be slightly high but I would not call that a ridiculous amount.
2007-03-28 03:05:45 · answer #7 · answered by thewindmaster_11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say only 600....cents, because what u did was nothing nobody of the right mind would ask for $600 for a fender bender.
2007-03-28 03:27:23 · answer #8 · answered by Brian M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
most insurancs companys have a miminum that doesnt count agenst you find out if yours does
2007-03-28 03:04:24 · answer #9 · answered by mobile auto repair (mr fix it) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋