CRASH! DUI hit my car today and made a big mess!
#1
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CRASH! DUI hit my car today and made a big mess!
A very sad day today. A driver under the influence drifted into my lane and I narrowly avoided a head-on collision. Unfortunately he hit the passenger door and rear panel completely crumpling them.
The guy ran from the scene but was apprehended by the police shortly afterwards. Seems he has insurance but at this point I don't know what they will agree to pay.
Firstly, can anyone recommend the best body shop in the SF Bay area to get my baby fixed? I need to supply this to the insurance company asap.
Secondly, those with experience dealing with insurance, do I have my insurance company pay and then follow-up with the guys insurance company or should I pull the police report and deal directly with his insurance company? I would think having my insurance cover the cost and THEN follow-up would present the best scenario, right? I'm a little shook-up still and perhaps not thinking as clearly as I might usually...
http://img236.imageshack.us/my.php?i...eupdooryp9.jpg
http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?i...arpaneluk2.jpg
The guy ran from the scene but was apprehended by the police shortly afterwards. Seems he has insurance but at this point I don't know what they will agree to pay.
Firstly, can anyone recommend the best body shop in the SF Bay area to get my baby fixed? I need to supply this to the insurance company asap.
Secondly, those with experience dealing with insurance, do I have my insurance company pay and then follow-up with the guys insurance company or should I pull the police report and deal directly with his insurance company? I would think having my insurance cover the cost and THEN follow-up would present the best scenario, right? I'm a little shook-up still and perhaps not thinking as clearly as I might usually...
http://img236.imageshack.us/my.php?i...eupdooryp9.jpg
http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?i...arpaneluk2.jpg
Last edited by Kahdmus; 07-20-2009 at 01:28 PM.
#2
Instructor
What a bastard.
Unfortunately, I think his insurance will refuse any claim as he was DUI, so you'll have to deal with him not his insurance co.
I would start the process through your own insurance company, its up to them who they recover the cost of repairs through. Much better for them to chase the guy for money than you.
Unfortunately, I think his insurance will refuse any claim as he was DUI, so you'll have to deal with him not his insurance co.
I would start the process through your own insurance company, its up to them who they recover the cost of repairs through. Much better for them to chase the guy for money than you.
#3
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Ouch! Really? I think its best I start with my insurance company as they would bring more pressure to bear regardless.
Anyone know a good shop in SF Area?
I hate to think how much devaluation hit my car today.
Anyone know a good shop in SF Area?
I hate to think how much devaluation hit my car today.
#4
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Kahdmus: Don't be in a hurry ! No need to make big decisions right now. Use your insurance carrier to deal with the other guy's insurance company directly. I'd call Rector in Burlingame 650 348 0111 for a referral (stay away from Anchor ). Avenue Auto in San Carlos re-painted my 95 993 (was keyed), and did a great job with the black paint. They are in the AAA network. Speak with Dennis (owner) for best results on time, repairs, etc. I know San Carlos is far from you, but....
I would avoid Arco in San Bruno.
Hope this helps.
Avery Diamond 1averyd@comcast.net
91 964 Coupe
Burlingame
650 207 4897
I would avoid Arco in San Bruno.
Hope this helps.
Avery Diamond 1averyd@comcast.net
91 964 Coupe
Burlingame
650 207 4897
#5
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This sucks..
Deal with only your insurance company, that's why you pay the premium. Have it repaired to your standards. Inspect the car thoroughly to understand the extent of the damage. Your ins. will go after the morons ins. company. Just be thankful he has insurance, because if he didn't and you don't have un-insured motorist, you'd be in a painful place.
Can't help you on the best place in SF
Deal with only your insurance company, that's why you pay the premium. Have it repaired to your standards. Inspect the car thoroughly to understand the extent of the damage. Your ins. will go after the morons ins. company. Just be thankful he has insurance, because if he didn't and you don't have un-insured motorist, you'd be in a painful place.
Can't help you on the best place in SF
#6
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Looking at the pictures....
The door/glass needs to be replaced. The quarter panel could be hammered out and faired in with plastic filler. That is an issue with value on resale. Throw your weight around and demand the quarter panel be replaced. Inspect for body deformation in way of the existing windows, windows don't flex but transfer stress from one side to the other. I'm talking about the rear window/roof line. The more subtle damage you can point out , the more likely the repair shop will replace bent metal. How's the gap on the rear deck lid, still even? Oil lines going to the cooler not crushed?
It's important you set the standard initially w/ the repair shop, so you don't have surprises later when you accept the car.
The door/glass needs to be replaced. The quarter panel could be hammered out and faired in with plastic filler. That is an issue with value on resale. Throw your weight around and demand the quarter panel be replaced. Inspect for body deformation in way of the existing windows, windows don't flex but transfer stress from one side to the other. I'm talking about the rear window/roof line. The more subtle damage you can point out , the more likely the repair shop will replace bent metal. How's the gap on the rear deck lid, still even? Oil lines going to the cooler not crushed?
It's important you set the standard initially w/ the repair shop, so you don't have surprises later when you accept the car.
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#8
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In most states the guys insurance company can't deny him coverage because he was DUI. They will drop him afterwards. It doesn't matter anyway since you will file with your company and have the repairs done to your satisfaction, and they will subrogate the claim against his company. Get new body panels and refuse the "bang, bash and fill" routine.
#9
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Well, get your car back into the shape your kid's drew and you knew. And best luck on this suckey situation!
Last edited by elbeee964; 07-03-2008 at 08:52 PM.
#10
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BodyStyle in San Jose, owned by Cecil Beach
Yeaman's Autobody in Redwood City, owned by Scott Yeaman
both shops do excellent work and are both owned by long time PCA members and Porsche racers.
Yeaman's Autobody in Redwood City, owned by Scott Yeaman
both shops do excellent work and are both owned by long time PCA members and Porsche racers.
#12
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Thanks Steve, it really hurts to be honest. I'm glad nobody was hurt or worse but my car does not deserve this.
Thing I'm most scared about is having odd panels I personally think the car willl need a complete respray...wonder what the insurance company's will say?!
Thing I'm most scared about is having odd panels I personally think the car willl need a complete respray...wonder what the insurance company's will say?!