Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance claim limiations, auto body repairs, own insurance


Question
My son 3 weeks ago while pulling out of a parking space, rub the bumper of
our Ford pick up truck with a car parked on his right side.  He was not aware
that he had hit anything and left the parking lot.  An eyewitness took the
license plate number and later that evening the local police office came to our
home.  He did not ticket or site our son, he filed on No Fault police report.  
Now the other owner wants us to pay $800 for damages which according to
the police officer a simple buff would remove the "black" marks left on the
truck.  I offered to have the car repaired but suggested the vehicle be taken
to a repair shop we trust.  She claims that she has the right to have the car
fixed at a location she wants, my response was I'm paying so I should have a
say on where the repairs get done.  Now for my question how long does she
have to contact her insurance company to submit a claim?

Answer
Hi Nancy,

There is not a specific limit on how long she would have to file a claim on her own insurance.

Body work is very expensive. Even a minor repair and refinishing of a bumper could cost the $800.00 she is asking for. Even though the police officer said it can be buffed out does not mean he was right. Police officers are not experts in auto body repairs.

She is allowed to have the repairs done at the shop of her choice. However you have the right to to not be overcharged. You should ask her to provide you a copy of the written estimate of the repairs. Then you can call the shop that wrote it to have them go line by line over it to explain why it will cost this much. If you are satisfied with there answers, you will have to either pay the claim your self or file it with your insurance company. If you decide to pay it your self, you should write up a release form for her to sign in exchange for your payment. That way if anything else is found in the course of repair, she can not come back for more money.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh