CanI dispute a rental car company’sestimate of accidentdamage to the car?
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CanI dispute a rental car company’sestimate of accidentdamage to the car?
I was in a car accident where the other person’s insurance paid for a rental car for me. While I had the car there was hit and run damage done to it while parked. The rental company is saying that there is $4,000 in damage. Looking at the estimate they have 42 hours for body damage, 20 hours for painting, 7 hours for frame and 2 hours for mechanical. They are also charging me for 11 days that the car is unused. All the damage that was done was a small tear in bumper and trunk was slightly misaligned. If they take me to court can I request more estimates being that theirs is ridiculously high.
Asked on July 25, 2011 New Jersey
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you can request that the damages vehicle be sent to an auto repair company of your choice for another estimate in order to see if the first estimate is in the ball park for the damages that the vehicle recovered.
Potentially your own insurance policy may cover the damages sustained from the hit and run episode while the rented car was parked. You should contact your own isurance carrier about the damages that happened and make a claim. You should request at least two additional estimates well before any court appearance on the accident and have those estimates in hand before any court appearance.
Also read the rental agreement that you have for the damaged car carefully. It sets forth the rights and obligations of you and the leasing company concerning any problems with the car. The agreement's language may have provisions within it that could assist you with the claim and repair.
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