QuestionLast week I left my 2008 MB at authorized MB dealer with a minor issue with the electronic.
Few hours later on the same day I picked the car up. The Service Manager – who did a good job with the electronic issue – had bad news for me.
As the car was parked in the dealership, an MB employee backed up another car and hit my car.
The damage seems minor, looks like (I hope) a few paint scratches on the rear fender and –perhaps- a minor dent.
I have been told that the dealership will repair the damage and paint a certain section of the car. However, once painted the value of the car will diminish and I intend to
get reimbursement for an equivalent amount.
How do I handle the situation properly? Do I need to call police to record the accident? Should I make then a regular claim with the dealers insurance?
I suspect, the dealer will not want to cover the DV – I will speak with them about it this week.
Thanks for your effort in answering
AnswerMark,
Thanks for your question.
The answer to your question depends on numerous answers to other questions.
The first thing I would be concerned about is if the dealer will take all the steps to provide you a proper and thorough repair as you deserve… or cut corners to save them cost!?
There’s no question your vehicle has sustained a loss in value…the question that remains is how much has it lost? That will depend upon:
1. The nature of the damages sustained
2. The severity of the damages (cost of repair) (an accurate assessment is a must)
3. The quality and thoroughness of the performed repair (restoration of color match, appearance, safety, performance etc.)
If it were I, I would likely:
1. Get an estimate of repair from a local high quality ‘independent” repair shop to document the damages and the cost of all required repair processes and materials.
2. I might allow the dealer to do the repair as long as they committed (in writing) to provide you the best repair based upon the correct methodology (e.g. as determined by the high quality independent) and that they would be responsible for all remaining diminution in value as purported by an independent expert, or;
3. Have the high quality independent do the repair whereas;
4. The dealer could agree to pay or have their insurer pay or;
5. You could get repaired through your own insurer and they will seek recovery from the dealership and I would;
6. Get the dealership to pay your deductible and provide you loaner or rental car during the repair time…or;
7. If you have other transportation you may wish to seek recovery of your “Loss of Use” which is a financial payment to you for the days you are without your damaged vehicle.
8. I would contact the police to see if they will do a report but they may not due to the loss occurring on private property. If not, then you should be able to complete and file a delayed accident report on with your local law enforcement for a matter of record.
9. Keep in mind that this may make the incident a matter of record for those like CARFAX or Autochecks and this will better support your claim for loss in value.
10. In final; you’ll want to engage the services of an independent expert such as Auto Damage Experts, Inc. to perform a post repair inspection and complete a detailed report of your remaining loss in value.
11. Be sure that whoever performs your repair understands that you will be having your vehicle inspected after the repair to ensure all was done properly! Let them know this prior to repair!
I invite you to visit our website for more information in this matter and see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information or feel free to call us.
Good luck in your recovery and please feel free to contact us for more information.
Barrett Smith. President
Auto Damage Experts, Inc.
