Do you think this cop is trying to overcharge me by A LOT?

Question

So without going into a whole lot of detail because I don't feel like typing it all or going into the full story.....I broke the sideview mirror and base on a cops car..pretty sure it's a crown vic..the mirror cracked I think, and the base didn't fall off or anything..it's just pushed inward and can't be put back the way it was..
Well he told my husband that it costs $1500.00 to be replaced..This just doesn't sound right..

Answer 1

If it was "pushed inward" I'm guessing that it was the door that was pushed which means paint and body work and unfortunately that can be expensive. There's a lot to take apart (all the interior handles and panels) on the door before the damage could be repaired then it all has to be put back together. Most body shops are around $95 an hour and up for labor.

Answer 2

That sounds farfetched, but without seeing it, I can't say for sure. You need to tell the Cop that you need to see 3 estimates, or better yet, have him take the car to somewhere you choose and get a fair estimate.

Just because he is a cop does not mean that you don't treat this incident as you would if it were not a cop. You have the right to see the estimates and have your own done if you can't agree with one of the 3 he had done.

It could turn out that it is $1500 bucks, I doubt it seriously...but you never know. I can't see the damage, so really can't say.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It's a crown vic, not a ferrari. Go to your nearest ford dealership and ask them how much a new mirror would cost. The dealership you can find out the OEM price and that's the highest it'll cost. Take proof if they try to charge that ridiculous amount. Stupid cops...

Answer 4

The cop doesn't set the prices, the City does. If you want to challenge the charges, contact the city maintenance dept.