Hey everybody,
I have been fortunate with this car.. 22,000 miles with only some rock chips and a small dent.. UNTIL now- I was rear-ended (on the driver side) by a Saturn, which was rear-ended by a Dodge Caliber..
I was in the turn lane to get on the freeway.. stopped.. and the Saturn was stopped.. Well, the guy driving the Dodge didn't stop in time and hit her (the Saturn).. she managed to swerve to avoid hitting me straight on, but still clipped the side of me.. Since this is a narrow road, I didn't have anywhere to go..
The car runs and drives perfectly.. it\'s just physical damage.. The other two cars had to be towed.
While I can brush it off as "life happens," I am concerned about a few things:
Can any of you offer tips/advice.. I have State Farm.. the driver that caused the accident has Mercury.. I DO have a police report (though he was very reluctant to write one..)..
Any GOOD bodyshops in So CAL? I have had very bad luck dealing with shops in the past.. I am super picky..
Thanks in advance..
<!--sizeo:5--><!--/sizeo-->EDIT (11-4)<!--sizec-->: <!--/sizec-->The main driver who caused the accident (Dodge Caliber) only has $10,000 collision coverage (as in $10,000 for all three cars, TOTAL!!)!. As a result, his agent (through Mercury insurance) told me to go through my own insurance (State Farm) and just pay the $500 deductible, get the car fixed.. etc..
I do not have rental insurance, and the Mercury agent told me to rent a car on my own, out-of-pocket; IF I do get reimbursed (if there is anything left from the $10,000, my payment will be pro-rated. Additionally, I MIGHT get my deductible back..
Does this sound fishy to all of you?? He told me it's best to go through my insurance so "they can take the bite"... WOW!!! And if I don't get any money back (rental/deductible) I can pursue the matter in small claims..
Gosh.. I just have so much time to do that..
Sorry if this is a rant.. just frustrated..
I have been fortunate with this car.. 22,000 miles with only some rock chips and a small dent.. UNTIL now- I was rear-ended (on the driver side) by a Saturn, which was rear-ended by a Dodge Caliber..
I was in the turn lane to get on the freeway.. stopped.. and the Saturn was stopped.. Well, the guy driving the Dodge didn't stop in time and hit her (the Saturn).. she managed to swerve to avoid hitting me straight on, but still clipped the side of me.. Since this is a narrow road, I didn't have anywhere to go..
The car runs and drives perfectly.. it\'s just physical damage.. The other two cars had to be towed.
While I can brush it off as "life happens," I am concerned about a few things:
- the main damage is on the quarter panel - I don\'t want the panel 'patched' - how do I make sure they replace the whole 1/4 panel? Or will they?
- The rear bumper is shot.. I'm not too concerned about making sure it's a CA Special bumper.. but I know I need new stripes.. should I order these? Or have the bodyshop contact Shelby?
Can any of you offer tips/advice.. I have State Farm.. the driver that caused the accident has Mercury.. I DO have a police report (though he was very reluctant to write one..)..
Any GOOD bodyshops in So CAL? I have had very bad luck dealing with shops in the past.. I am super picky..
Thanks in advance..
<!--sizeo:5--><!--/sizeo-->EDIT (11-4)<!--sizec-->: <!--/sizec-->The main driver who caused the accident (Dodge Caliber) only has $10,000 collision coverage (as in $10,000 for all three cars, TOTAL!!)!. As a result, his agent (through Mercury insurance) told me to go through my own insurance (State Farm) and just pay the $500 deductible, get the car fixed.. etc..
I do not have rental insurance, and the Mercury agent told me to rent a car on my own, out-of-pocket; IF I do get reimbursed (if there is anything left from the $10,000, my payment will be pro-rated. Additionally, I MIGHT get my deductible back..
Does this sound fishy to all of you?? He told me it's best to go through my insurance so "they can take the bite"... WOW!!! And if I don't get any money back (rental/deductible) I can pursue the matter in small claims..
Gosh.. I just have so much time to do that..
Sorry if this is a rant.. just frustrated..