First off, I apologize to Tom and the HT members who would love to whip out the "WRONG FORUM" replies, but unfortunately the Members corner is down and I spend the majority of my time in the EG forum. With that said, here is the dilemma.

I was hit by another motorist and there is minor drivers side door damage. The driver was driving his friends car, and there was no insurance in the glove box. I called the police to come and advise me as to what I should do. The officer says to try and settle this with a civil agreement between the two of us, instead of filing a claim with my insurance company (assuming he is an "Uninsured Motorist"). The other driver admits to causing the accident and I also have a witness who will validate that statement.

THE DILEMMA:

The other motorist thinks the repairs will only cost no more than $100, and he says that he can get the work done by some of his "buddies" for really cheap. I know that the damage is going to be more than $100 to have a reputable shop fix the damage. I imagine that he will not agree to pay more than he thinks he should pay. The officer told me that I have the right to take the car to any repair shop to be repaired. Should I:

A:

When he refuses to pay, file a lawsuit against him and try and get the money out of him in civil court, and risk not receiving the money for a long time, because of his delaying the payments.

OR

B:

Go ahead and tell my insurance company (21st Century) and let my "Uninsured Motorist" property damage insurance cover the repairs. In this case, what are the chances that my premium will increase. Keep in mind that I am 20 with a PERFECT/GOOD DRIVER discount and a GOOD STUDENT DISCOUNT. I have just recently (the last 30 days) switched to 21st Century.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I apologize again for the lengthy thread and the fact that it is in the wrong forum, but I hope that some "Tech" discussion can come about.

Ryan

 

I think thats a bad idea unless his "buddies" on a real shop or work for one, find that out.

That would be an idea did the cop make a report of it? if he did i would get a copy of it.

If the cop made a report they will automatically know about it, i dunno if they will raise the insurance even if you didn't file a claim. Was it ur fault? if it was try repairing it out. if wasn't then if these "budies" don't statisfy ur judgement then file a claim.

 

The accident was 100% his fault and he admits to it.

No, the police officer did not file a report, because I think he knew that it would probaly affect my insurance premium.

I would imagine that his "buddies" may own a repair shop, but I really don't feel comfortable going to his "buddies." I kind of feel like I wouldn't be getting a bias free repair.

My dad had mentioned something about the first minor accident not affecting my record, but I am really not sure.

I will not know his response until tomorrow when I go and get a few estimates, but I am assuming that he will not be happy when I read him the quotes for repair work. I am just trying to get a few responses and ideas as to what HT members would do in my case, so I am prepared when I have to deal with the situation tomorrow.

 

if he doesn't agree with your good reputable quotes, i'd go thru civil action. no doubt. because the officer did not make up a report, but can vouch for you, you are able to claim a lot more than what is on the car [neck injuries...back injuries], or use that to threaten the guy to pay more in order to properly fix your car. either or, you don't have to go thru insurance and sue for wages perhaps. maybe you won't get money, but a good incentive is the lawyer's fee. he's going to be working HARD to get you your/his money. if that setup fails, as least he loses in hiring a defendent AND you get to go thru insurance compant after that...