Auto Insurance Claims: Parking Garage Incident, district of columbia dc, garage management

Question
Thank you so much for your service.  I pay to park at a parking garage in the District of Columbia (DC) on a monthly basis.  In the past year, I have noticed several dents and dings on my vehicle and, in accordance with the garage policy, I have pointed them out to the parking attendant/manager before leaving the garage.  I have filed claims for two of the more serious dents and provided them with two estimates per their request.  The garage management has paid for both damage claims (the lower of the two estimates).

These estimates are obtained on my own time and without the offer of a rental car while repairs are being made.  I am about to file a third claim for serious damage.  How many estimates are required by DC law and am I entitled to rental car costs?  Thanks for any guidance or information you provide.

Answer
Dierdre,

Honestly, I have never heard of a garage reimbursing patrons for damages to the vehicles. In my experience there are usually signs all over the garage and on the back of parking card that specifically disclaim liability. Since they acknowledge the obligation to pay (by having paid twice previously)there must be some form of written agreement between the garage and patrons...ask them for a copy.

I practice law in Florida and am also licensed in New York. I am not sure if D.C requires multiple estimates or not. I would present just one and if they want another you can get it or they can send someone to the garage to do their own (it will likely be lower but you never know). As to the rental claim, it depends on the terms and conditions of any agreement that may exist between the garage and the patrons. Any written documents would govern.

Best of Luck.

Marc B. Nussbaum, Esquire