This is the story. I was at a friends house a few blocks from my home, and we were playing catch with a footall. I went to pass it to him but he was running the wrong way and it bounced off the ground and hit the window, breaking one pane of glass. Its the type on window thats onver the door that is a semi-circle. I told them it was me and they want me to pay 500. I told them i'm not paying nothing unless i see a written estimate. The next day the owner called and said they got and estimate for 600-700 dollars. I said I want to see the written estimate. Then today, he called again and said he got the estimate from Home Depot and it would cost 1,500. It think thats a little bizzare going from 500 to 1500. They also want me to give 200 up front with no paper work or estamite. I told them to get three estimates but he's going to the most expensive places. I wanted to know if i can get my own estimate and if i should pay or wait until they file a complaint.
2007-11-03 10:35:58 · 8 answers · asked by Big MIke140 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
You should have an estimate done yourself, call up a local window replacement company and have them look at the damage and give you an estimate.
Window glass replacement can be extremely expensive, so do not be surprised if the higher amount is correct. You may want to check with your local police department and see if the homeowners have filed any type of property damage report.
One of my sons broke a neighbors window over ten years ago and the cost was over six hundred dollars at that time.
You should not be giving them any payments without seeing written estimates and do not give them any cash. I do not know your age, if you are underage you should get your parents involved in this, if not you may want to contact a lawyer for a consultation in case the homeowners are trying to make extra money on your willingness to admit your wrongdoing.
Good luck, I hope everything works out well for you. You are to be commended for being honest.
2007-11-03 11:06:05 · answer #1 · answered by Sue F 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Assuming that the owners of the house have homeowners insurance on the property, this would be covered by their insurance. Two problems however:
1) There will be a deductible on the insurance (this is the amount the owners would have to pay that is not covered by insurance). However, this would probably only be somewhere around $100 to $500. You could offer to pay the deductible if they put it through their insurance as a claim.
2) They may be unwilling to process a claim through their homeowners insurance for fear that their insurance rates will go up.
I'd get some estimates myself (with the homeowners permission) just for a reality check.
2007-11-03 21:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by The Professor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
^ True ^ Get if fixed before you end up paying any other fees. You broke the window pay the price before they go higher. You don't know how much thier window is worth, and how long it's been around. This might be one of those windows that appreciates in value. PAY the two hundred get thier estimates, and wait until they file a complaint. That way you can honestly say that you did pay something. You also want to do some research for yourself.
2007-11-03 17:47:40 · answer #3 · answered by yoeerie 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The story doesn't even matter. You broke it (accident or not), you pay for it. But yes, you are right. I would INSIST on written estimates. Any glass guy will drive by and give you an estimate. I would think that would suffice. Too bad they're being such p***ks about this. It was an accident, they shouldn't be able to profit. If they do take you to court for massive amounts of money, I would sure show up with my own esitmates in hand to show unreasonable they are.
2007-11-03 17:43:10 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie Queen of All ♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say what sort of window this circle top is. If the thing contained either leaded glass, bevelled edge glass, brass caming, or other decorative items, it can EASILY run to $1500.
I suggest that you seek out some estimates on your own, with the owner's permission. You may be VERY surprised at what you find.
2007-11-03 17:52:55 · answer #5 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you are resposible ,but you dont pay anything until you have seen the estimates plus you are allowed to get your own,their trying it on if it has gone up from 500-1500 i wouldnt pay either and no dont pay anything up front,when you are satisfied with the price,ask them to get it done and you want a written receipt,and make sure it is from a reputable company with the proper invoice headed note paper [printed] not hand written and check them out,difinitly no money up front,just tell them if there not happy with your decision to take it to court cant see them doing that as they know they are in the wrong with what they are doingall the best with this
2007-11-03 18:18:36 · answer #6 · answered by meg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cant this person turn it into his homeowners policy and have them pay for it, thats what those policys are for.
2007-11-03 19:13:36 · answer #7 · answered by crazy b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fix it.
Its still your fault!
2007-11-03 17:38:39 · answer #8 · answered by candice 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋