I have a 2007 G35 Sedan. I was in a hit and run accident a few weeks back where a guy took out my bumper and took off, luckily I got his license plate number.

The actual cost of the repairs for the shop was $1,329.21 which included replacing the bumper as paint blending for the whole rear end. The other person's insurance company sent me a check for $103.23 for the lowered value of my car after the accident. Personally, I think this amount is pretty low and haven't cashed the check yet because of this. I feel like if I was to sell the car or trade it in and the person/dealer buying it on CARFAX would want to offer me a lot less than just $100 off the value of the car.

The car is a white journey, pretty much fully loaded with only 27,000 miles. Does anyone else think that this number is low? Anyone know a good way of proving what the real devalue of the car is based on the accident?

Thanks!

Matt

 

It depends on how much actual body damage there was. If the damage was only to the front bumper and no body work was necessary (fender work, hood, etc.) I'd say it's about right.

 

I think the only body damage was one of the bolts sheared off that the rear bumper connects to. Any consideration to the fact that they had to paint a lot of rear end to blend and match for the new bumper?

 

Did the insurance company pay for the damages as well, you didn't state that and I'm curious.

As for the 100 dollars for the lowered value, if it was me I would expect a little more.

 

They did. What happened was the adjuster came out and estimated the repair at $752.09 which used a remanufactured bumper cover. Talking to the collision shop I guess that means one that has been damaged and then repaired. I was going to fight that to get a new one but lucked out because none of the remanufactured were available so they had to order a new one through Infiniti. After they gave me the initial estimate for the $752.09 I got a check two days later for $103.23 for the reduced value of the car. Since the car has been in the shop, they have had to do more (new bumper, hardward, paint blendiing for the rear end) and the repair is up to $1,329.21 now. My thought is that they should adjust the that amount higher since the repair is more. I haven't called them yet, I just wanted to get some ideas from other people and their experiences.

 

Typically, an adjuster will not even start a diminished value claim until the work has been completed on the car for reasons just as you have described.

Definitely call the insurance company up.

 

Are you dealing with the insurance company from the guy that hit you? If so you should turn this over to your insurance and tell them the $$ given you for the diminished value isn't nearly enough. Should be closer to $400 since you have a low mileage '07! Good Luck!
Gary

 

Awesome, thanks for your help. Yes, this is their insurance company. I held off cashing the check because I figured once I did that then cashing the check would be like agreeing to the amount. I will talk to my insurance company and see what they come up with.

 

^ I would also demand they NOT adjust the repairs with a "re-manufactured" bumper cover. They are suppose to repair the car how it was BEFORE the accident. And I'm pretty sure you car didn't come with a re-manufactured bumper.

 

^ Nor was his bumper completely new, so it makes sense that they won't give him a new bumper.

 

so if their was a hit and run, what can you do to get the other guy off the street?

 

He's off the street and in jail. I did a search on the guy and he had been arrested 15 times between 96-Present.

 

surprised he had insurance then... good luck!

 

You should have never been involved with his insurance company. Once the accident occurred you should have notified your insurance from day one, that is what you pay them for. This will not go on your record so use all the tools available. I can bet the that hit you doesn't have insurance now!
Gary

 

My insurance company told me if I used them I would have to pay my deductible. I wasn't willing to pay the $500 for something that wasn't my fault. His insurance company (State Farm) has covered all the repairs so far and given me a rental car so I don't think my insurance company could have done much better. The only real question is does the $103 cover the decreased value of the car. Sounds like that is almost next to impossible to prove and fight for. My insurance company wasn't even willing to provide me with a number for comparison.