Betterment charge from auto accident?

Question

My fiancee was driving in Massachusetts when she was hit by another driver. The insurance companies have determined the other driver to be at fault.

Her car is at one of the preferred repair centers for his insurance company and today they informed her that she will be charged $130 for a Betterment Fee.

Should she have to pay or the other driver?

Answer 1

The item being replaced was as old as the vehicle.  The item going on the car is brand new.  The charge is for the difference in the value of the parts.  Since the item is going on her car, the charge is paid by her.

Could they find a used item from a salvage yard to put on her vehuicle?  If yes, there should be no betterment and thus no charge.

Answer 2

As far as i know,this is a question with many different answers,it is really depend on the judgement of yourself,provide a great resource here for reference though.http://car-insurance.easyideas4u.info/ca...

Answer 3

Did they say what the betterment was for? Typically if they have to replace a battery or tires  they will take betterment. Meaning they will determine how much extra it cost to buy the part brand new when it wasn't brand new to begin with. Even if the other driver was having their car repaired and had this same issue they would have to pay the betterment. The whole point of claims is to put the car back to the original condition it was in before the accident happened. If the tires were pretty worn and one is completely flat, they will replace it so you can drive it out of the garage but charge you the extra. You should have to pay for this. They are paying for the amount it cost to REPLACE the tire but not brand new because it wasn't brand new when the accident happened.

They take betterment on other parts as well as paint.

Answer 4

She will have to pay this, it is the improvemet in the value that the repaired car will have over the value before the accident.