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Long story short: (not much to tell anyway)

My wife got rear-ended, but at minimal damage. The Civic's back bumper didn't get damaged severely (just two dents). She didn't file a police report cuz the guy owns a body shop and says he can fix it for free.

But I figure that if we file the police report, his insurance has to pay for us to get the bumper fixed... or can't they just give us the $600 to fix it ourselves?

Basically I want to know if we should file the police report, get our $$, or just take it to him to get it fixed...

Any opinions?

 
Rep Power: 453

the insurance company isnt just going to give you the money for the repairs, they are going to pay the body shop.

By filing the police report, that doesnt mean you are getting money. There really is no need for a police report. That is just where tickets come in. The only real need for police in a accident situation is when neither drivers know who is at fault and calling the police will help decide that or there is alot of damage. Usually in a accident, all that is needed is for both parties is to exchange insurance info, then leave the seen. Then go home and notify there insurance company. The they do the rest.

But if he honestly has his own body shop, then take him up on the offer and let him fix it. But I think you should ask him to give that to you in writing, or write on a piece of paper what happened and make him sign it, so if he doesnt fix it, you can take him to court and show them he signed a paper saying he would. Then he will have to pay.

 
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not true...

I've opted for and been given checks twice, once from Farmers and once from Allstate for accidents because I elected to make the repairs to the vehicle myself... If there's no structural damage you'll get a lot more by taking the check and doing it yourself.

 
Rep Power: 453

Well I was unsure about that, but every accident I have been in, the insurance will only pay the body shop. they wont just cut you a check. But I guess I am wrong.

But at the same time, this guy is being nice and offering to pay for it himself. Alot of people do that so there insurance wont go up. Dont take advantage of a good dead someone is doing. I understand though that getting the money yourself, you could get parts alot cheaper or get aftermarket parts.

 
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Had the police shown up at the scene, wouldn't he have requested both parties to exchange insurance info? Because apparently it wasn't presently in his car.

We are now having trouble getting his insurance info, and i'm 100% sure we're not going to get it. His offer to fix the bumper is still there, but I refuse to take it.

To me, if this guy refuses to give his insurance info, then his word about fixing the car is just as bad. I don't know why, but if anything happens to my Civic, I take it real personal.

What would you do, personally, Streetglower? And anyone else?

If I could, I would just take his insurance info, and file the claim. Then take the check, fix it myself, and be done with it.

 
Rep Power: 453

It is too late now to call the police because the accident happened several days ago, and if you did, it would just be your word against his.

Sounds like the guy didnt have insurance and thats why he is offering to Pay for it himself. But if he still is offering to fix it himself, go ahead and demand he fix it now. You said he owns a body shop correct? And all you need is a new rear bumper? Well go to his shop and demand he get you a new bumper and have it painted. Then when its done, demand he put it on. Thats all you really can do.

I hate to say it, but there isnt much you can do now but demand he fix it because going to the police after this long, they wouldnt do anything and he could easily deny ever being in a accident with you. Let me ask you this, what all info did you get from him at the scene? And does it check out? If it was me, I would go to his shop and demand that he fix it now, and keep demanding. And if he didnt, I would *** his **** up. Thats me though, but you might go a different route. But try going to his body shop and getting them to start fixing it.

 
Rep Power: 275

Insurance companies try and make you think they will only pay the shop. You can opt for the cash if you want. It is likely too late for a police report. This is why you should always get the insurance info right away no matter what. Most states have 'no fault' insurance laws which basically means the insurance companies decide who's problem it is, unless you end up going to court.

 
Rep Power: 282

you sure the body shop can just fix it real easy for you?

The back bumper is plastic, and cant just be banged out as easy as lets say a small ding in your quater panel