Hit by my neighbor!

**irmanator** · 10-26-2010, 05:49 PM

don't you still have to file a police report so there is a record of it? That would help if you have to go to insurance later.

**maat55** · 10-26-2010, 06:02 PM

If the estimate from your repair shop is not good enough for him, then turn it over to the insurance companies to figure out.

**disneysteve** · 10-26-2010, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by investingnoob View Post

it happened in my neighborhood (private property) so police can't do anything.

I don't understand this comment. Where was the car when it was hit? Wasn't on the street? That isn't private property. Even if, for some odd reason, the car was on your private property when it was hit, it is still a police matter if someone else comes onto my property and damages my car.

Regardless, this is a matter for your insurance company and theirs. Put in the claim and let them figure it out. Though I'd still file a police report, which you should have done when it happened but do it now anyway.

**DebbieL** · 10-27-2010, 10:53 AM

Here it is pretty common to handle minor dings privately so your insurance rates don't go up. Police can't be called (won't respond) unless the damage is over at least $2,000 here (in other words you don't call them for minor things). Usually for minor "fender bender" type situations each person just calls the insurance company and you make an appointment to get the car looked at. The insurance company then gives you the form and you go get it fixed. If you think the damage is under $1,000 or so, it's probably cheaper in the long run to just offer to get the other person's car fixed (if you were at fault).

**snafu** · 10-27-2010, 11:12 AM

Whether the car is worth fixing is a mute point, best left out of the discussion. Why was the neighbor driving on your property?

Since you agree it's ok [common practice] to handle minor dings privately, I'd have the parents use their time, energy,& effort to take the car to at least 3 shops for estimates. During the period the car is unavailable for use, they would pay for a rental car. If they don't like that idea, I suggest it go through traditional insurance.

**briandownie** · 11-01-2010, 05:30 PM

I know that most people want to be neighborly but your neighbors aren't being fair to you.

If they're not happy with the quote you gave them at the autobody of your choosing tell them you have no alternative but to involve your respective insurance companies.

Brian

**woodie96** · 11-02-2010, 06:13 AM

I agree with BrianDownie here. It wasnt' any fault of yoru own, and you took it to a reputable place that you would like to have them do the repairs.
Or as the other poster stated, have them spend their time and resources getting estimates at other places. Just be sure that those places are capable of performing the job to completion as it should be.
None of those shady, fly by night places.

**briandownie** · 11-02-2010, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by woodie96 View Post

I agree with BrianDownie here. It wasnt' any fault of yoru own, and you took it to a reputable place that you would like to have them do the repairs.

The last time my car was hit, rather badly my insurance company sent me to a "premier" body shop. I went against my better judgment and was really disappointed with the job. It's not that I had heard anything negative about the place I was sent to just that I had always had great luck with my regular body man and have always been happy with the work he does. I know if I went back to him I would have better results.

My point is you need to choose where you take your car, don't let someone convince you otherwise.

Brian

**nick__45** · 11-02-2010, 07:41 PM

Always go with the most expensive body shop available, even if this is out of town. You are entitled to rental car. Do this especially if it's not your fault.

**briandownie** · 11-03-2010, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by nick__45 View Post

Always go with the most expensive body shop available, even if this is out of town. You are entitled to rental car. Do this especially if it's not your fault.

Just because they're expensive doesn't make them good.

Brian

**nick__45** · 11-03-2010, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by briandownie View Post

Just because they're expensive doesn't make them good.

Brian

Correct. But I would think expensive places tend to do much better work in general and has a good warranty behind their work. If I have a choice between 5k place and 4k place doing the same quality of work, I would go to a 5k place if I am not at fault. I want to cut no corner and the 5k place may have much better warranty.

Hit by my neighbor!