If i crash into a car and agree to pay who decides where the car gets fixed?

Rainy

The owner of the car gets if fixed anywhere s/he wants. It doesn't matter how expensive her estimate is compared to yours. It's her car, her choice. Don't you ever watch those court shows on TV? The fact that you're paying to get it fixed does not mean you get to say where she gets it fixed at...only that you acknowledge that the accident was your fault and you must pay to get it fixed. Sorry, but that's how it works.

What you CAN do is speak with the woman. That you are willing to pay without going to court over it should tell her that you are at least being responsible enough to try and resolve it. Offer your infomation of where you know is a good, reliable mechanic and that you really do recommend them. That doesn't mean, however, that this woman will listen to your words. If she still is all for her own mechanics, then you will still have to pay whatever they charge. If you do not, she can take you to court and you will lose.

Do you not have any insurance?

Zsasha

Normally the owner of the car gets to choose where she wants the car repaired. As for the pile up, it doesn't matter why the car in front stopped. You are still responsible for the damage on the rear of the car you rear ended as well as the damages to your own vehicle. Keep in mind it is your choice to pay out of pocket instead of making a claim thru your insurance which you are paying to handle things like this for you.

Janiepoo

The owner of the car gets to choose where it's repaired. If she pays for her own repair and ends up taking you to court, you would have a hard time proving that you don't owe her. I would ask her for the estimate and be sure that there isn't anything on it that didn't pertain to the accident in the first place. As far as her wanting to go where she bought her car from, there could be many reasons for that. Places cost more for a reason- better service, maybe she will be provided a loaner car while they are repairing, etc. If I receive outstanding service from anywhere, I will go back there because I know I'll be treated well, and sometimes it's worth paying more for that. It may be more convenient for her also. You have to remember that you're at fault here, not her. She shouldn't be inconvenienced anymore than she already has.

what u talkin' bout?

Sorry, this is not what you want to hear, but you do not have a choice in the matter.

CwboyBill

The OWNER has 100% say-so as to where and how the vehicle is repaired. She does NOT have to get three estimates, (you cannot just pay an average of the three anyway). Despite weather conditions you are at fault and it is your responsibility to restore her vehicle to pre-loss condition. My advice is to let your insurance company handle this. Just because a shop is expensive there is no obligation to pay more that the prevailing competetive rates and costs. Your insurance adjuster can deal with all of this.

UCANTCME

The owner of the car decides where they want it repaired.

PMack

Her car, her call. If I had a newer car, I'd probably want to go to the dealer I bought it from also.

You are mistaken if you think you are not at fault, you are legally obligated to allow enough distance in front of you to be able to stop in an emergency. If the weather is bad and the stopping distances are longer, you need to allow for that as well. Cops can give you a ticket that says "driving too fast for conditions", that would apply here. I rear ended someone once in icy conditions, and while I was talking to them, someone else hit me! Accidents happen, but if this is going to cost you 5K, you should probably go through your insurance, even if they up your rates a bunch it would take years to cost you 5K.

Good luck

nutterorsaintuchoose

shud phone your insurance people up they will put u straight

Jeff s

You can always take it back and tell her to make a claim with your insurance if you find that her estimate is completely unreasonable and the costs would exceed those of paying your deductable and potential small premium increase. After all, it was weather related accident and it was not completely your fault and your responsibility to pay out the entire repair for both cars... be sure to make your own claim as well so that they have both your stories... that is ultimately what insurance is there for (and to rip you off)...

Bonnie C

The car owner should...but usually people get 3 estimates, then pick from those....at least it used to be that way. I would want to see 3 estimates if I have to pay. If that place is say $650 more than any other place, that's ridiculous. (THEN--if they want to get it fixed THERE, they pay the difference. I would say that's fair.)

silverbullet217

FAIR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, tell them to get 3 estimates and just like insurance companies you pay the cheapest. If they want to get it fixed at a more expensive place they can. Make sure they give you the three estimates in writing and keep them, if they want to go to court, take your canceled check and the three estimates, you will have proof you paid them to get it fixed, with the ADDITONAL info, you need to talk to your insurance company an find your options BEFORE you just write a check though

notmuchofacook

Have the victim get an estimate from at least 2 mechanics, then you should pay the average of the two. If one is $500 and the other is $600 you should pay the average of $550. After all, you admitted it was your fault and she should not have to settle for your mechanic, on the other hand you are trying to be fair.
Once she agrees on payment from you, you should get a signed receipt from her which says something like: Mary Smith agrees to accept the amount of $___ as full payment for repair of her vehicle due to damage caused by John Jones."
Have her sign it so she doesn't come back a month from now and say something else is wrong and it is from the accident. Pay her with a check (either to her or to the mechanic) and keep the cancelled check for proof that you paid her. Good luck.

tobi

Ask her to get several estimates and agree to pay the average. That should be fair.

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