Bus Hit My Parked Car
Hey everyone, I need some advice. I recently got a new car, a 2022 Nissan Sentra, after my last one was totaled (not my fault). Unfortunately, it was side-swiped by a school bus while parked. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time. Now I’m trying to figure out my next steps. I had planned to trade in my Nissan after six months, but I’m worried this accident will affect its value. Any tips on how to handle this situation? Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear about your car! That sounds really frustrating. Here’s how you can handle the situation:
Document Everything: Take photos of the damage to your car and the bus, as well as any relevant details like time, date, and location of the incident. Obtain the bus driver’s information and any witnesses if possible.
Report the Incident: Contact your insurance company to report the incident. Since the bus was involved, it might also be worth notifying the school district or the bus company.
File a Claim: If you have collision coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance. They will investigate the incident and help you get repairs done. If the bus is at fault, the school district’s insurance may cover the damages.
Get a Repair Estimate: Visit a trusted mechanic or auto body shop to get an estimate for the repairs. Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts.
Understand the Impact on Value: Unfortunately, previous accidents can affect your car’s resale value. However, if you get it repaired properly, you can mitigate some of that loss. Keeping records of repairs can help when you’re ready to trade it in.
Consider Future Steps: Depending on the outcome with your insurance and repair costs, you might still decide to trade it in after repairs. Check with local dealers for trade-in values post-repair.
If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask. Good luck!