Car accident and collision shops

cokewithvanilla

I got into a real small accident a few weeks ago. My car has NO damage. The other car was scuffed and has a broken turn signal. I didn't really try to argue who was at fault, cause it was no big deal. I told the guy I'd pay to fix his car... its a 2000 S40... kbb value $2400

He gave me the estimate of : $997 and he wants 3 days rental car... I called the collision shop and they said they have to replace the headlight (even though it's not damaged) to replace the turn signal light. They say they also have to repaint the bumper and replace a trim piece.

I called volvo, and they say the collision shop is lying and they don't have to replace the headlight (300 dollar part, really 150, but they overcharge). My car grazed his with the plastic that goes around the wheel well.... I'm sure the bumper doesn't need to be painted, it simply needs the plastic scuff removed. The collision shop also said there was burgundy paint on the fender and my car isn't even close to that color, nor do I have any paint missing... my car is 100%.

I want to handle this without my insurance but it seems this guy had been hit in the same spot before by a burgundy car, and it seems the collision shop is lying. How should I handle this?

WilliamM2

Make him get an estimate at a shop you trust. Are you in a no fault state? If so he need's to use his own collision insurance, if he has any.

cokewithvanilla

I no longer live in a no fault state. I went back to school, so I am here in Knoxville while he is in Nashville.

He is an Assistant Public Defender for the town the accident was in. He called the police to the scene and the guy looked at the damage and had us exchange insurance info. I didn't argue with the guys story, though I didn't admit guilt. The officer did not fill out a report, though I am sure he can still do it if necessary. I dunno who he'd write in favor of, but likely the other guy cause of his job and because I didn't argue his story.

I have never had the need for a collision shop, so I don't even know who to call. I could do the work myself for 60 bucks give or take. I am going to try to offer to buy his car off him for book value, though I have little hope there. I think it's absurd to pay 1k for a scuff and a smashed turn signal (hell, I didn't even crack the bulb!) on a 10 year old, 2400 dollar car.

WilliamM2

I wouldn't let him rip you off just because he's a lawyer. Tell him you will install a turn signal and buff out the scratch, get the signal from a salvage yard, it is an 11 year old vehicle after all. If that's not good enough, then he can contact your insurance company. They will send their own adjuster out.

I'd rather pay $1000 in higher premiums over the years, than just hand it to some scammer all at once.

jimmydep

Insist on 3 estimates and make sure he get's one from a body shop you trust.
In this age of cell phone cameras you should always snap off a few pictures of the damage when in a small fender bender.

Good luck, dealing with lawyers its a PIA.

strider

IIRC, on an '00 S40 the turn signal lamp attaches to a piece of the headlamp assembly. If the T/S lamp was jarred, it certainly could break the piece on the headlamp assembly that it attaches to, hence the need for the headlamp. If the bumper needs to be painted they'll blend the paint with the rest of the bumper. Volvos aren't cheap to repair, esp body parts. They're may be a little bit of padding in that estimate, but it doesn't really surprise me.

Definitely get a second estimate. Ask friends who they have had good experiences with if you've never had need to go to a body shop. If there is old damage to the guys vehicle an experienced body shop should be able to tell.

xj4094dg

There are several options for just the turn signal.

They are:

Fog/Driving, (bumper mounted)
Parklamp,Turn Signal (fender mounted)
Side Marker, (bumper mounted)
Side marker, (fender mounted)

All of the above are available on the used market for about $20.00 to $65.00, sold SEPERATELY from the headlight assembly.

The headlight assemblies are as follows:

Available with black or chrome bezel.
$100.00-$200.00 used.

If he doesn't want used, ask him if the used light on the other side of his car is not good enough (all the parts on his, or any car for that matter, become "used" the day the car is driven off the "new" car lot, regardless of age or mileage).

Check out www.car-part.com for used parts (no affiliation other than a satisfied customer).

i just ordered a Jaguar headlight assembly for my car and received a beautiful part the day after I ordered it. It will be installed next week.

Hope this helps.

David.

exalted512

anonymouse wrote: »

He is a lawyer dude. I'm sorry, but from the sounds of it, he wants and can make your life miserable.

Obviously not a very good one as he's driving a 2000 s40.

3 estimates, 1 from a reputable shop of your choice....that's usually the fair way for these deals.
-Cody

cokewithvanilla

Well, I guess i learned that I shouldn't treat everyone as if they are hostile. I called the guy and told him what i thought about the estimate... he said he is sorry and didn;t realize it was for the headlight as well. I asked if he'd be willing to work with a guy I know that does bodywork out of his house... he said he would except for the paint which he wants done by someone reputable. He also agreed to have his car taken to a detail shop to see if they can buff out the paint.

I guess I'll find out tomorrow if I am paying for paint or not :P