I got in a motorcycle accident when I had no insurance. I dented one very isolated body panel on a older volkswagen golf (90's). Now they want me to pay over 2k for the damage!!! I know it shouldn't of cost over 1k, what do I do?
The panel was above the left rear wheel between the door and the trunk.
2007-10-14 11:07:45 · 17 answers · asked by The Big Man 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
State Farm is "subrogating" against you for the damages that you caused to the VW.
Like Cowboy, I deal with people in your shoes every day. I own a company that represents insurance companies against uninsured people that cause damage. Unless you are a body repair expert you can argue all you want, it won't get you anywhere.
It seems that you are in agreement that you owe for the damages but dispute the amount. Let me suggest the following if you have not already done so.
1. SF owes you documentation of the damages, most of the time that will include photos, itemized estimate and a copy of the check used to pay the claim. If you don't have these request them ASAP.
2. Once you get the information, you can do as somebody else suggested and have a body shop examine the information for you. Most body shops will not want to get involved in this matter, but you can try.
3. Trust me SF does not overpay claims. If they paid 2K for the damages you can count on it being accurate. This is especially true if you struck the rear side of a car. Front repairs are easy and cheap compared to repairing or replacing quarter panels, cutting & welding etc.
4. If you have or can get the cash, make SF an offer to settle. I would suggest around $1350 to start. They would rather do that then sue you or set you up on a monthly payment plan. These claims are almost always negotiable.
5. Ask them for a monthly payment plan. If set up prior to a lawsuit most companies will not charge interest to the claim. This the route that most people go with.
Good Luck
2007-10-14 14:49:25 · answer #1 · answered by fighting saints 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To the other posters... the OP did not have _liability_ insurance and caused damage to _someone elses vehicle_. The OP admits to owing for this damage. If you owe someone something, you can't file suit against them. THEY FILE SUIT AGAINST YOU... they then provide proof that you owe them and you show why it's less.
OP, why do you think it's only $1000? Did you obtain your own estimate for the damages to the vehicle? I'm guessing you think that a small dent does not cost much. This is not the case these days. Have SF send you their estimate for the damages to the vehicle. If you want, have a friendly body shop take a look at it and just tell you, off the record, if they think it's correct. Lacking that, you could hire an independent appraiser to review the photos and SF's estimate and give you something in writing.
2007-10-14 19:21:51 · answer #2 · answered by Todd C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it was your fault, just turn it in to your insurance and let them handle it, they will investigate and adjust if the price seems to be too high. Oh, that's right, you didn't have any insurance, did you?
Well, you can tell them it shouldn't cost over $1,000, give them $1,000 and refuse to give them any more. They will probably take you to court to get the rest, and you can then explain to the judge how you know it shouldn't cost more than $1,000, keeping in mind they will no doubt have expert witnesses there telling the judge how you did in excess of $2,000, lose, pay the other $1,000 plus court costs.
Or you can give them what they asked for and be done with it, and never be without insurance again.
Keep in mind State Farm has probably already paid out what they are asking for, and attempting to get the money they are out back from the person who caused the damage is good business, not "trying to screw you."
Added: William A, love your answer. "Switch." Yeah, right, switch from not having insurance at State Farm to not having insurance at Geico? If you're going to answer, read the question. He DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE to switch.
2007-10-14 18:53:46 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a question for you: are you a collision damage estimator? If not then how the heck do you know how much it will cost to repair the car? (or did you just pull $1000 out of your butt?). Sounds to me like you're just angry that they are forcing you to pay what you owe. You do realize that car rental costs are probably included on your bill. As for the dinks that are telling you to get a lawyer --- hey, knock yourself out. State Farm has hundreds of lawyers working full time for them so if you want to pay some scum-bag $1000 to defend you in court so you will have to pay State Farm $2000 and probably $800 in court costs, go ahead. State Farm has no interest in 'screwing' anyone, especially some dork that crashes into an old VW. Have you even ASKED the claims adjuster about the damages? State Farm is a stand-up company and the probability of them overcharging you $1000 is about 1 in 20,000.
2007-10-14 18:39:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask for another appraisal for the damage. The insurance company just goes with the estimate they get. I have had State Farm for over 20 years and they have been very reasonable to work with. Don't give up. (Have you asked if the owner of the car had insurance for an uninsured vehicle/driver? You may not have to pay anything. Keep asking questions.)
2007-10-14 18:13:59 · answer #5 · answered by Kathryn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prove to them that the damage can be repaired for a thousand dollars. Show a professional estimate. If that does not lead to negotiations to resolve this claim, file a complaint with your states department of insurance. If you do file a complaint, you will need to be sure you have evidence to back up the amount you are willing to pay, in that it will fix the car you hit.
2007-10-14 18:13:21 · answer #6 · answered by Don Drapers woman 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You were driving a motorcycle without insurance.....it's a wonder you didn't get your license revoked and are not being made to pay a traffic fine. I'd say you got off easy.
2007-10-14 18:12:40 · answer #7 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get three independent estimates in writing to back your claim. That should prove your point.
I have been insured with State Farm for (oh my!) 40 years, and they have always been very fair with me. Ask if they have an appeal procedure also.
2007-10-14 18:16:00 · answer #8 · answered by CarlisleGirl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
pay it'
when you chose to drive w/o insurance you also chose to be responsible for any damage you incured.
reguardless of how much you 'think' it will cost , the owner has a right to take it anywhere to get fixed reguardless of $$$$
so just pay it and you have learned your lesson
always have ins. just be glad you only have to pay
money and that can always be replaced
2007-10-14 18:17:25 · answer #9 · answered by Nice Girl101 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One - Get Insurance!
Two - Let them take you to court to get the money, then you could show that it wouldn't cost 2K to repair it. Get estimates before then.
2007-10-14 18:19:36 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Mary ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋