Car accident. I was not at fault, what are my rights.?

Question

Car hits mine, the driver who ran into me admits liability, no problem so far.

I contact my ins who in turn make a claim from his ins.

His ins co is not happy with the quote for repair that I put in.

Now they want to make me an offer or have my car repaired by their garage.

I am not happy about this, the other drivers ins co has taken over 2 months to get to this stage. As the accident was not my fault, I think I am entitled to have my car repaired by my garage, or the full amount paids as per the quote so I can have the work done.

What do you think?

Answer 1

In the UK at least you are not entitled to insist on your selected garage carrying out the repairs.  They've accepted liability, they are going to repair it and it is their choice who does the work.   What do your insurers say about it, though?  They are supposed to be working for you.

The reason you cannot pick your own repairer is that it is far from unknown for a claimant and his garage to get their heads together, create an inflated quote and split the difference . . .

Answer 2

get a quote from another repair place and see if it's any better. you can also go to a dealership for the kind of car you have and have them refer you to someone. don't go to their garage if can avoid it they will put in bad aftermarket parts to save money. there are good aftermarket parts that can be used but you're not sure that's what they'll be using.

good luck, just went through this with my brother, took 4 months to settle.

Answer 3

If they offer to have your vehicle repaired at their garage,,,you have to do it. Sorry. the only other option is a lawsuit.

Answer 4

I had a similar problem. I am in the RAC and I got their solicitor to sort it out. Was resolved in less than a month

Answer 5

if you dnt think it was your fault take him to court and get it settled!!

Answer 6

I think your insurers should do some work on your behalf.

Your insurers must have approved repairers. Why not get a quote from them? You may also wish to get a quote from a dealer that sells your make of car, which would not be unreasonable. That would make any objection a clear delaying tactic. Ask your insurers to negotiate on your behalf as you shouldn't be drawn into petty squabbling about quotes.

You could hint that any further unreasonable delay may result in you upping your claim due to inconvenience and aggravation.

Answer 7

Hi,

This happened to my friend too and they were told that the other people are allowed to get their own quote for the damage. Its actually a legal right.

The other insurance company cant get it fixed by another garage without ensuring its up to standard so i wouldn't worry about it. Let the other garage fix it and it'll all be sorted!

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

His insurance company will be paying for the work to be done.  If they think your quote is unreasonable they have the right to try to get the work done for a cheaper price.

What difference does it make to you which garage repairs it as long as it gets sorted?  (Unless of course your mate owns the garage and has given you an inflated quote so that you can split the profits)

Answer 9

Assuming you are in the U.S. you can have the car repaired by the shop of your choice. However, that doesn't mean that the other company has to pay whatever that shop wants to charge.

Just because the accident wasn't your fault doesn't mean that the other company has to accept whatever amount you or your shop ask for.

Most of the time if the insurance company has any issues with the shops estimate they would discuss the issues with the shop mgr and come to a negotiated "agreed price"

Good Luck

Answer 10

Sue 'em!

Answer 11

3 options...fix your car at the garage they have chosen (they do this as they have contracts though certain body shops, as do all insurance companies), fix it where you want to and pay the difference, or file the claim through your insurance and see if they will pay the shop you want to use and then they will subrogate back to the other insurance company for repayment.  I honest would not worry too much about the shop they chose.  if the work is guaranteed for as long as you  own the car (which most are) there should be no problems.