the cops finally caught the guy that hit me, and made him call me to arrange something, i called my insurance company and they told me that my rates wont go up, and that they will take care of everything for me, they will contact the guy and make sure he pays for my damages, all they told me to do was go get an estimate and get the price and send it to my them and they will take care of the rest, thing is, i want to get the highest price possible, so what would you guys recommend me going about doing this? this guy will pay for fleeing the scene of an accident on me....

 

Highest price possible really isn't the best measurement for getting the best resolution to your problem. I would go to a couple places and get 3 or 4 estimates. Also, ask around some car shops in your area and see if you can get a feel for who has actually done some good work. It may very well be that the most expensive shop will fix your car the best, but who knows until you ask around. I wouldn't try and rip off the insurance company, because they probably won't be too happy.

-Chris

 

Was the other guy insured??? Since you filed the claim with your insurance company first, they may pay the damages themselves first and then subrogate (go after) the other guy (or ins. company) for the money. What I would be really careful is if they are really not going to raise your insurance rates. Verify this at renewal time.
A claim is a claim, and some insurance software systems do not distinguish between the claim being your fault or not. That is why is better to file the claim first with the other guy's insurance if you happen to know he is insured and he is at fault, and leave your insurance company out of it.

 

Your insurance rates wont go up? Then the gas prices are coming down this week!


04 G35C DG AT
Prem Aero Perf RSG CC

Long Island

2004 Pathfinder for the family

 

That's ridiculous. It doesn't punish him, it punishes everyone else by raising insurance rates throughout the country.

 

no guys, they're going after the person who hit me and making him pay for the damages, my insurance isnt paying for it. I didnt have to claim for it.

 

No need to be deceptive about it (not suggesting you are). Do as you are entitled and get a few estimates for repair. Pick the places you feel most comfortable with doing the repairs. If that's an Infiniti dealership or other places that might be higher than Joe's Body Shop, so be it. Nothing says you have to choose the lowest place, just the lowest of the estimates you provide. Just pick a place that you'd want to do the repairs.

Future G35C Owner... ...Never too soon to think about modifications!!

 

Dealer's are typically the most expensive. But, most send out the body work. Try and see if there's an Infiniti approved body shop around you. I know BMW and Mercedes have certain authorized body shops that have special factory equipment that can repair your car to factory specs.

 

Actually, your insurance company will attempt to get the money back from this guy. Who knows if he can actually afford to pay it, or if he ever will. Just get your car fixed at a reputable body shop, let your insurance company worry about the other guy, and let it go.

 

The concept involved is called subrogation. Basically, when you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your insurance company is obligated to attempt to recover the claim amount from the other party (or the other party's insurance provider) when it is clear that the liability falls upon that other party.

This is actually a PITA as far as you're concerned because your insurance company still files the claim under YOUR policy - your deductible will still apply (you'll have to pay it) and you'll only get 100% of it back if they are able to recover the damages from the other party.

Your best bet is to go directly to the other person's insurance company, report the accident against their policy, and put them on the defensive. Report the accident to your own insurance company, but do not ask them to file a claim on your behalf.