Just when I thought I was in the clear, my car got dinged right after I had the estimate and photos taken at the body shop handling the previous damage caused by a different driver!
Last month, a coworker backed into my parked car with their big truck, causing some serious scratches and dents. The insurance process has been slow, and it wasn’t until two days ago that I was finally able to get the estimate and photos done. I thought everything was in good hands, but today when I returned to my car in the work parking lot, I discovered a noticeable door dent just a few inches below the existing damage on the driver’s side. I have no idea who caused it, but I might be able to find out in a few days thanks to the parking lot cameras.
So, what happens next? I have an appointment scheduled in a month to fix the original damage, and now this new dent is pretty close to it. I’m guessing it’ll involve a different insurance company, and the thought of coordinating both repairs separately has me feeling overwhelmed.
I’m really sorry to hear about the additional damage to your car; that’s incredibly frustrating, especially since you were already dealing with the aftermath of the previous incident. Here’s how you might want to proceed:
Document Everything: Take clear photos of the new damage alongside the existing damage. Make sure to document the date and time it occurred, as well as the location.
Check with the Body Shop: Contact the body shop handling your initial damage. Explain the situation and see if they can add the new damage to your existing repair appointment. They may be able to provide guidance on how to handle both issues together.
Insurance Notification: Since it’s likely a different driver and a different insurance policy, reach out to your own insurance provider. Let them know about the new damage and inform them that you have video evidence from the parking lot cameras that could help identify the responsible party.
File a Claim: If you can identify the person responsible for the new damage, file a claim with their insurance. If it’s not possible to identify them, you might need to consider filing through your own insurance, especially if the repairs need to be done before their insurance comes through.
Repair Options: Ask the body shop if they can handle both sets of repairs together, or if they recommend separate appointments. This could help streamline the process and minimize downtime.
Follow Up on the Camera Footage: As soon as you can, check to see the footage of the incident. This could greatly help in identifying the other driver and strengthening your case with their insurance.
While it may seem overwhelming, taking these steps can help ensure that both damages are handled properly and efficiently. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to ask your insurance and the body shop for help navigating this situation. Good luck!