Small accident...what to do?

[Entity]

A few weeks ago while moving out, we rented a U-haul. One of my friends was assisting me in backing the truck up after using it all day, and much to my chagrin, was paying attention to the curb, but not the top of the building (which I couldn't see). :|

Needless to say, the corner of the building (an aluminum structure) was dented in, and the paint was chipped. Though I don't know much about these sorts of things, the damage didn't seem to be extensive - regardless, I figured we'd get reamed for it.

Today I got the estimate on how much it will cost to repair: $1,283.84. The owner of the store mentioned to us that if we wanted to have someone else take a look at it and see if they could repair it, that'd be ok. The main cost, it appears, is that the quote he (the owner) received is for entirely replacing the panels and repainting them. The damage isn't that great (wish I could describe it better), and looks like it could easily be pounded out, considering they are flexible aluminum panels.

Here's the real kicker that has me confused: this all happened in Seattle. I took a look at the quote, and it was provided by NW Canopy Structures, in Deer Park, WA. Deer Park is about 450-500 miles from Seattle. I can see no reason for going with this repair estimate; additionally, I find it hard to believe that the person actually checked out the damage - I would guess he was just estimating from pictures.

My main question, I guess, is what should I do? We could send this through to our insurance, but I'm not sure how that will reflect on our rates - both Kate and I are under 25, and are already paying quite hefty rates (~$900/6mo).

Any serious advice is appreciated.

thanks,
Rob

 

[Nefrodite]

i believe your responsilble to have em fixed to how they were b4, not just pounded out. perhaps there was damage underneath too. either way, fixing stuff always costs more then u'd think

 

[VFAA]

The main cost, it appears, is that the quote he (the owner) received is for entirely replacing the panels and repainting them.

Only fix the damage you've caused.

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: Nefrodite
i believe your responsilble to have em fixed to how they were b4, not just pounded out. perhaps there was damage underneath too. either way, fixing stuff always costs more then u'd think

We wouldn't just be "pounding them out." We'd definitely fix any structural damage, whatsoever. It seems odd to me, though, that the repair is quoted from nearer Spokane than from a building repair shop nearby. I'm a bit confused about that.

Rob

 

[PsychoAndy]

hmmm. take some pics of the damage if you can and head over to the industrial district. i'm sure you can find some metal workers that might be able to fab a new part to replace it or maybe machine the old part and get it "like new" and in satisfactory condition

 

[Entity]

Does anyone know what type of hit that would cause on our insurance?

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: Entity
Does anyone know what type of hit that would cause on our insurance?

I would talk to your agent, but it probably wouldn't go up more than $100/6 mo.

amish

 

[Vic]

You need to call your insurance agent and have a private talk with him/her. Usually, your agent is your friend, wants to help you keep your rates low (which encourages you to stay with him/her, agents know that a large percentage of customers switch carriers when their premiums go up after filing a claim) and can help you through this, up to getting a new bid on repairing the damages.

 

[Harvey]

Rob -- From your post, it seems like the store owner seems like he's being straight with you. You should take him up on his offer to let you have someone of your own choosing give you an estimate for the repairs. Remember, within reason, it has to be done to the store owner's satisfaction.

NW Canopy could have its headquarters in Deer Park, and their rep provided the replacement estimate. That would account for the address.

You might also want to talk with your insurance rep. He may be able to give you some advice about your best option, but nothing is going to get you down to zero. OTOH, if this is the only ding on your record, it may not impact the your insurance cost, at all.

Good luck.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Harvey
Rob -- From your post, it seems like the store owner seems like he's being straight with you. You should take him up on his offer to let you have someone of your own choosing give you an estimate for the repairs. Remember, within reason, it has to be done to the store owner's satisfaction.

NW Canopy could have its headquarters in Deer Park, and their rep provided the replacement estimate. That would account for the address.

You might also want to talk with your insurance rep. He may be able to give you some advice about your best option, but nothing is going to get you down to zero. OTOH, if this is the only ding on your record, it may not impact the your insurance cost, at all.

Good luck.

I agree that the owner sounds like he's been straight-up with you. I would definitely get another estimate, just to compare the rates. If they are not significantly different, go with the owner's first estimate as psychologically, he'll be getting it fixed "by his people."

I disagree with all comments that your insurance agent is your friend. He is not your friend. He is there to make money from you. Your monthly premiums are what puts food on his table, nothing more. Your dealings with him are business transactions.

I had a bad experience years ago when I was insured with State Farm. My agent was always "business pleasant" when dealing with me. Semi-aloof, but professional. Until the day State Farm dropped me. My agent, who was the biggest out of about a dozen other SF agents in my city, was a total snake. He gouged me on every little add-on to my policy, made me fight tooth and nail to get him out to see my vehicles when I had claims and did nothing to help me when SF decided to "drop me" after my second hit-and-run (me getting hit). I got me "SEE YA!" letter in the mail, brought it to his office. His exact words were "well, I can't help you, it's their decision. Have a nice day." What a scumbag. I know for a fact that SF takes it's long-standing agents' opinions under consideration; he could have gone to bat for me but did not. :| I'm now insured with USAA, and they treat me like GOLD. I have my investments w/them as well.

Anytime you can pay for something out of your own pocket, instead of claiming it w/the insurance, it's always a good idea to do so.

Like Harvey said, though, if this is your first "ding" your rates prolly won't go up at all. Best of luck, Entity.

 

[rgwalt]

I echo the opinion that you should get another estimate. Always get a second opinion. If another company's estimate varies greatly, then get a third estimate. Best of luck to you.

Ryan