Got in an accident last night.....

shawn474
shawn474 Posts: 3,047
edited August 2012 in The Clubhouse
On my way home from work, there is an intersection that I have to turn right and immediately get in the left lane to turn again. People fly down the road so it is a crapshoot every time. Last night I rolled snake eyes. A car was in the right lane and i made a go for it. I made it to the left lane and was looking in my rear view. When I got around the corner the light was red and traffic was backed up. I slammed on my brakes and my foot slipped off. I hit the car in front of me. Obviously totally my fault and the lady was super nice. I had one accident two years ago that was forgiven under my First time accident forgiveness policy. I drive a 1998 honda accord - and had absolutely no damage save for a spidering of the paint on my bumper. No dents, scratches, anything. Really can't tell unless you're in the right light.

Her car - 2010 Nissan Infiniti G37x. Damage to her car was just the rear bumper had popped the clips on the sides. There was no dents, etc. Only other damage was I broke the license plate frame on her car. At the very least I think she deserves a new rear bumper but am hoping the clips can be replaced and it be reinstalled. It is a leased car so I think she should just go ahead and get new bumper so it doesn't get swindled when returning the lease. I want to keep it out of insurance so my premium doesn't hike, but how much do you think I can expect to pay? I don't think she is going to take me for a ride and she said she has been in accidents before and the body shop she uses is great. I am hoping to keep it under 2k. Is that possible?
Shawn
AVR: Marantz SR-5011
Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
Front: Polk LsiM703
Rear: LSI fx
Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
DVD Player: Sony PS4
Post edited by shawn474 on
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Comments

  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,773
    edited August 2012
    Why would you pay 2K rather than use the insurance you are already paying for? Your rates won't go up 2K.
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    edited August 2012
    No no no....

    Doing business outside your insurance is not a wise decision.
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,396
    edited August 2012
    If all that is wrong are some broken clips, they may be able to be replaced cheap, but from experience I can say this is almost never the case.

    The most important thing is nobody got hurt...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,047
    edited August 2012
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    Why would you pay 2K rather than use the insurance you are already paying for? Your rates won't go up 2K.

    My rates went up temporarily before they forgave the first accident a couple years ago. Went up by $75 a month. I also have a $750 deductible.
    mrbiron wrote: »
    No no no....

    Doing business outside your insurance is not a wise decision.

    Why is that? If I have a $750 deductible and my rates go up, why wouldn't i pay cash for the repair if it isn't significantly more than that?
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,008
    edited August 2012
    We had to have the rear bumper of our Nissan Xtrail replaced (no longer have that SUV) and from what I can remember it was about $800, new bumper paint and install. Glad the both of you are all right.
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  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited August 2012
    shawn474 wrote: »
    Why is that? If I have a $750 deductible and my rates go up, why wouldn't i pay cash for the repair if it isn't significantly more than that?

    Your deductible doesn't come into play when fixing her car.
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    edited August 2012
    Why is that? If I have a $750 deductible and my rates go up, why wouldn't i pay cash for the repair if it isn't significantly more than that?

    You don't know this woman from a hole in the ground...anything can happen in this day and age. If living on the wild side is your thing, then i'd so go for it, but having a system behind you to protect you isn't something to turn a blind eye too.

    ...or you could sleep with her and become her very own pool boy.
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,047
    edited August 2012
    Ok, she just called me. She works on the same campus as I do (I am in athletics and she is in the Office of Student Affairs). Estimate was $550 to repair and the shop needs the car for 3 days. I will pay for the rental car as well. I just don't see the need to flag my insurance for something that is less than $1K. She said she would be willing to have legal counsel here at school draft up a contract so that it states that she will not pursue any other legal measures for injury, damage, etc. I am definitely going to do that.
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited August 2012
    shawn474 wrote: »
    Ok, she just called me. She works on the same campus as I do (I am in athletics and she is in the Office of Student Affairs). Estimate was $550 to repair and the shop needs the car for 3 days. I will pay for the rental car as well. I just don't see the need to flag my insurance for something that is less than $1K. She said she would be willing to have legal counsel here at school draft up a contract so that it states that she will not pursue any other legal measures for injury, damage, etc. I am definitely going to do that.

    The contract would make me feel better. I'd try and pay out of pocket as well. Be aware, though, there may be other damage under the bumper skin. I wouldn't be surprised if the absorber is damaged as well. May want to see if they included that in the estimate.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited August 2012
    shawn474 wrote: »
    Ok, she just called me. She works on the same campus as I do (I am in athletics and she is in the Office of Student Affairs). Estimate was $550 to repair and the shop needs the car for 3 days. I will pay for the rental car as well. I just don't see the need to flag my insurance for something that is less than $1K. She said she would be willing to have legal counsel here at school draft up a contract so that it states that she will not pursue any other legal measures for injury, damage, etc. I am definitely going to do that.

    State Farm in Texas, *generally*, doesn't count damage less than $1k against you.
    strider wrote: »
    I wouldn't be surprised if the absorber is damaged as well.

    I have some Styrofoam I'd be willing to part.
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited August 2012
    insurance companies often count claims against you even if there is NO payout. If you call for hail damage and they come out and see it will be $650 and you have a $500 deductible, they will count a claim against you whether you fix it or not. Many companies operate differently, but this is common practice. Of course, the number of claims does not carry over to a new company if you switch, only what is reported with the DMV
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited August 2012
    strider wrote: »
    The contract would make me feel better. I'd try and pay out of pocket as well. Be aware, though, there may be other damage under the bumper skin. I wouldn't be surprised if the absorber is damaged as well. May want to see if they included that in the estimate.

    HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU DRAFT UP A CONTRACT. Make sure it discusses what happens in the case of finding damage after the fact, during the repair process, etc. Also make sure it discusses medical treatment (if any) that she cant sue you later on for pain and suffering, that kind of thing.

    Otherwise you can get screwed. I also suggest you have it notarized and have a witnesses to when you pay her and have her sign another document indicating she has recieved the payment.

    People can be nice, but nowadays unless its a forum member :wink: I tend to watch my rear very carefully. Everyone sue's everyone for everything nowadays.

    Keep in mind statute of limitiations is normally 2 years for accidents I believe.

    If it was me (as someone in the insurance industry) I would just let insurance handle everything so your covered. YMMV.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited August 2012
    exalted512 wrote: »
    I have some Styrofoam I'd be willing to part.
    -Cody

    To you and I it's a piece of Styrofoam, but to a body shop that's another part they'll mark up 100% and Shawn will be out another $100-$150 and a days rental while they order it. :wink:
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited August 2012
    newrival wrote: »
    insurance companies often count claims against you even if there is NO payout. If you call for hail damage and they come out and see it will be $650 and you have a $500 deductible, they will count a claim against you whether you fix it or not. Many companies operate differently, but this is common practice. Of course, the number of claims does not carry over to a new company if you switch, only what is reported with the DMV

    Generalizations like this are far from the truth.
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2012
    She sounds as though you couldn't get a more agreeable individual and I'd pursue the contract, make sure everything gets repaired to her satisfaction and part ways. Make sure the chain of custody is clear and there's a final sign off when everyone has been taken care of, including the shop receiving payment. Don't let a small mistep ruin the whole effort..
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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