What to do if I was at-fault for car accident while not insured?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do if I was at-fault for car accident while not insured?
The damage was minimal, just a dent in the driver’s door, about 1-1 1/2″ diameter and 1/4″ deep. The other party filed a claim with their own insurance company which paid $1450 for the claim, based on one estimate made/obtained by their insurance adjuster, and they now require me to pay the bill. I found the estimate excessive based on the level of damage. I requested and got a copy of the estimate and found it was calling for the replacement of the entire door for just a little dent !!! First, shouldn’t the insurance company consult me before making the payment to their clients, since I am considered responsible to pay the bill? At this point can I contest the amount for repairs?
Asked on July 31, 2013 under Accident Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Based upon what you have written, you are entitled under the laws of all states for a detailed written explanation as to why the entire door of the damaged vehicle has to be replaced as opposed to only a small section repaired. I would contact the claims representative for the insurance carrier and the automotive repair place in writing seeking a written explanation for the charge for the entire door replacement and an estimate for the costs of repairing the small dent before you decide if you pay the amount or not for $1,450.00. By all means contest the charge. The insurance carrier was not obligated to consult with you before paying the $1,450 amount.
If you do not get a satisfactory explanation in writing your recourse is a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance and/or Bureau of Automotive Repair.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.