Q: Other drivers insurance quotes the repairs for my car a lot cheaper than multiple shops has, what do I do?
Someone hit my car in the front end. Multiple body shops have quoted the repairs between $1500 and $2000. The other persons insurance has accepted fault but has sent me a quote that they will only pay $600. They got this quote from a parts shop that doesn't do body work and is forcing me to use aftermarket parts that have been shown not to be of equal quality to the OEM part currently on the car. No body shop I have gone to will touch the car because they quote at least $1000 over what the insurance said. In New Hampshire. A police report was filed and the other driver claimed complete responsibility. What can I do to get my car fixed the proper way?
A: A New Hampshire attorney could advise best, but you await a response for a week. It appears that you got your quotes from legitimate auto body repair shops that are registered in New Hampshire for such work. That gives you a strong argument against the carrier's PD department basing damages on parts-only. You probably don't want to go to court or consult with an attorney over a $1,500 PD claim that doesn't involve injury. If your carrier will not work with you toward resolution (based on your description, your position appears reasonable), court might be an option (possibly small claims on your own, or through an attorney if you don't want to deal with it.). It would take up time, but it looks like you've gone to multiple body shops whose assessments are reasonable - their estimates would be helpful in supporting your position). Good luck
A: Addendum - another alternative, depending on your carrier and coverage. If you handle it as a first-party claim (through your carrier), carriers often pursue that from the carrier for the liable driver. But it could involve a deductible, and it could depend on your coverage. That's something to discuss with your carrier if you would be interested in pursuing that route. Good luck
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