I bumped into a parked car last week, but now it feels like the owner is trying to charge me more than the actual damage. It was just a minor tap that I didn’t even notice at first. My car has a tiny mark on the rear, and the other vehicle only has a small scratch. We exchanged insurance info, and when I contacted my insurance company, they stated that since the other car was parked, I am at fault and responsible for the damages, which seems fair. However, the other car owner later sent me a quote via WhatsApp from a garage that includes repair costs I’m not entirely comfortable with. It looks like they want to replace the entire rear bumper and fix more than what was genuinely “damaged.” What can I do in this situation? Do I have any influence over the costs, or should I just let the insurance companies handle it?
Rear ended a parked car but feels like person is making me pay more than the actual damage
It sounds like a frustrating situation, and it’s understandable to be concerned about potentially overpaying for damages. Here are some options you can consider:
Review the Quote: Take a close look at the quote provided by the other car owner. Compare the quoted work to the actual damage. If it seems excessive or includes unnecessary repairs, you can question it.
Get Your Own Estimate: It might be beneficial to obtain an independent estimate from a reputable garage. This will give you a clearer understanding of what the actual repair costs should be, and you can use this information to negotiate with the other driver.
Communicate with Your Insurance: Since you’ve already informed your insurance company, keep them in the loop. Share the details of the quote you received and your concerns about it being inflated. They might assist in negotiating with the other driver’s insurance, or they could help clarify the situation.
Negotiate with the Other Driver: If you feel comfortable doing so, you could directly reach out to the other driver to discuss the quote. Present them with the information from your estimate and see if they would be willing to negotiate.
Consider Liability: Since you are at fault, you are generally liable for the damages, but it doesn’t hurt to ensure that the amount you pay is fair and justifiable based on actual damages.
Legal Advice: If negotiations don’t go well, it may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional who can provide specific advice based on your situation.
Ultimately, you do have a say in the repairs, especially if you can substantiate that the costs quoted are excessive. Working through your insurance is often the best route, as they can handle the negotiations and ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.