I accidentally bumped into a parked car last week, and now I feel like the owner is trying to charge me more than the actual damage warrants. It was a very minor accident—I didn’t even notice it at first. My car has a tiny mark on the back, and the other car has a small scratch. We exchanged insurance details, and when I reported the incident to my insurance, they confirmed that I’m at fault since the other car was parked. That seemed fair. However, the other car owner sent me a repair quote over WhatsApp that doesn’t sit right with me. It appears they’re looking to replace the entire back bumper and make repairs that go beyond the actual damage. What are my options? Can I contest this, or do I have to let the insurance companies handle the payments?
Rear ended a parked car but feels like person is making me pay more than the actual damage
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Review the Quote: Examine the quote you received from the other car owner. Compare it to the visible damage from your own assessment. If you believe the proposed repairs are excessive, it’s worth addressing this.
Get a Second Opinion: You can suggest that the other car owner obtain a second estimate from a different repair shop. This might help to clarify whether the quoted repair charges are reasonable.
Involve Your Insurance Company: Since you’ve already informed your insurance company about the incident, keep them in the loop regarding the quote. They may be able to assist in negotiating with the other party or advise you on next steps.
Discuss with the Other Car Owner: If you’re comfortable doing so, you could reach out to the other car owner and express your concerns about the charges. Sometimes, a direct conversation can lead to a more amicable resolution.
Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, quotes, and photos of the damage. This documentation will be helpful if there are disputes in the future.
Know Your Rights: Depending on your location, there may be laws regarding how much a person can claim for damages, especially if they’re perceived as excessive or unrelated to the incident.
Consider a Claims Adjuster: If the situation escalates, you might consider asking your insurance company for a claims adjuster to evaluate the damages and provide an impartial assessment.
In summary, while you are liable for the damages caused, you do have a voice in the process and can advocate for what you believe is fair and reasonable. Good luck!