Evil Empire
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2013
- Messages
- 95
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 6
- Location
- Australia
- Members Ride
- VE Calais V
Hi all,
The other day an old lady smashed into the back of my car while I was stationery at the stop lights. Accidently took her foot of the brake apparently. Luckily my tow bar took most the impact but as her number plate crumbled around my tow bar, the edges of her plate dug into both sides of my bumper and caused two deep chip/scratches. On first inspection I didn't think it was much but later found that the bumper will need a complete respray at the very least. Haven't had it professionally inspected yet, but may be worse as the number plate looks to have cut in pretty deep.
I told the old lady that if it wasn't too bad I could get a cash quote to save her added expenses going through her insurance. My brother-inlaw is a well respected crash repairer, and without looking at it he reckons a full bumper respray would be around the $400-$450 mark. I spoke to the old ladies husband and he said while he isn't disputing his wife's at fault, he wants a painter mate of his to inspect the damage and quote the repairs to see if he can get it done cheaper.
I told him I have no issue with taking the car to him and his if he wants to see the damage but I don't really want anyone other than my brother-inlaw to fix my car, as I know I can trust him and he'll do a top job.
My question is, what are my rights in this situation regarding being able to choose my preferred repairer? Do I only have this option if it is done through the other parties insurance?
I'm not trying to extort extra money out of them cause that's not my style, so the cost of repairs will be the cost of repairs plain and simple. I initially offered an agreed settlement outside of their insurance as a courtesy to maybe save them some money, but if her husband demands to use his own repairer am I better off just getting them to put it through the insurance so I can use my choice of repairer?
I haven't had an accident in over 10 years so not sure how it all works. Any help would be great, thanks.
The other day an old lady smashed into the back of my car while I was stationery at the stop lights. Accidently took her foot of the brake apparently. Luckily my tow bar took most the impact but as her number plate crumbled around my tow bar, the edges of her plate dug into both sides of my bumper and caused two deep chip/scratches. On first inspection I didn't think it was much but later found that the bumper will need a complete respray at the very least. Haven't had it professionally inspected yet, but may be worse as the number plate looks to have cut in pretty deep.
I told the old lady that if it wasn't too bad I could get a cash quote to save her added expenses going through her insurance. My brother-inlaw is a well respected crash repairer, and without looking at it he reckons a full bumper respray would be around the $400-$450 mark. I spoke to the old ladies husband and he said while he isn't disputing his wife's at fault, he wants a painter mate of his to inspect the damage and quote the repairs to see if he can get it done cheaper.
I told him I have no issue with taking the car to him and his if he wants to see the damage but I don't really want anyone other than my brother-inlaw to fix my car, as I know I can trust him and he'll do a top job.
My question is, what are my rights in this situation regarding being able to choose my preferred repairer? Do I only have this option if it is done through the other parties insurance?
I'm not trying to extort extra money out of them cause that's not my style, so the cost of repairs will be the cost of repairs plain and simple. I initially offered an agreed settlement outside of their insurance as a courtesy to maybe save them some money, but if her husband demands to use his own repairer am I better off just getting them to put it through the insurance so I can use my choice of repairer?
I haven't had an accident in over 10 years so not sure how it all works. Any help would be great, thanks.