Well to make an already stressful day even more fun I walked out earlier this evening to find that my car had been hit while parked on the street here in NY. Looks like it was backed into by another vehicle, and of course the person who lives directly across the street and has a minivan with a bumper that is just the right height denied everything. Did I mention that I was parked opposite their driveway?? I am so pissed right now that it's not even funny! Now I know that it's "just a car" and I'm thankful that no one was injured but it still just burns me up that people just will not be responsible for their own actions, but before I get off on a rant, I'll just stop right there.....

So I filed a report with the local cops (who were less than sympathetic ), called my insurance company and set up an appointment with a claims adjuster, looks like new doors and perhaps a bumper cover will be needed. Also noticed that he driver side front window now screams like a banshee when opening/closing. Is there anything else I should check for damage in the morning? Fun, fun, fun!

So does anyone know a good body shop in the Albany, NY area? Also how do I go about filing a diminished value claim? Is that handled when I speak with the adjuster or do I need to do that separately?

Thanks for letting me rant here... And since I know these threads are worthless without pics, I attached a few so everyone can share my pain. I know the pics are crappy but my camera is at home in NC. So why the hell am I moving back to NY???

 

ouch. Good luck

 

OMG! That sucks, I have my car broken into and hit while I was parked! So I feel your pain, though that looks worse than mine. I've been searching like crazy to find a camera I can install inside the car that has a 360 coverage and is wireless to a harddrive in the trunk. I have everything ready, just trying to find a camera small enough for the cabin that is 360 to nail @$$es that do this! GOOD LUCK!!!

 

sorry to hear that bro... I hate to be out of commission

 

is there any paint transfer onto the minivans bumper? or any damage?


if there is just take pics of it and a pic showing the hight of the bumper with a ruler. and the a pic of the location of ur car at the end of their driveway. and submit it to your insurance company, you insurance will go after them.

 

snowcross,

Good point, I'll check that out.

 

there has to be damage that you can take a picture of, if there is damage, also take a pic of the whole minivan if it is in good condition,
the idea is to show that the car is not beat up and that the damage from ur car is an isolated incident.


if you go that route, its going to be a he said she said situation so you have to document every thing with pics/paperwork.

 

So I met with the adjuster today and got the estimate for repairs. Looks like they will have to replace both door skins and respray. Total damage is ~ $3100 provided they do not have to replace the front door, which I am pushing for since the dent is evident on the inner shell (crease mark by the weather stripping).

After reading a bit more into the estimate though it states that they reserve the right to use aftermarket parts if available or I can request OEM which they can provide in either new or "recycled" state at their discretion . So how do I ensure that I get NEW OEM parts and not someone else's crap? This process is a bit different in NY than in NC. When my wife had a little accident down there we just dropped off the vehicle at the shop and everything was completed with OEM parts without any intervention on my part.

 

snowcross,

No dice on finding the bastard who did it....

 

well that sucks,,


as for OEM parts, its all about $ with the ins co, if they can find factory spec parts that are not OEM and cheaper, they will use them.

i agree i would want oem too.