Accident
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
Accident
I'm not sure if this is the right place for this but here goes - I was crossing some railroad tracks, driving slowly, and the guy behind me suddenly lurches forward and runs into me (I was afraid this day would come). He didn't hit me too hard but enough where he broke out the reverse lights, put scraps on the back area and the rear hatch will not open (it's a 2003 AE Convertible).
My frustration is already building because I know the claims adjuster isn't going to be too concerned; it doesn't look that bad but I know I will have to fight to get a new rear bumper plus trying to match the paint will be another battle that is ahead. I do not look forward to this.
Any suggestions or guidance would be much appreciated. If anyone knows of a excellent body shop in Southwestern Virginia, preferably the Roanoke area, I would greatly appreciate having their name - I know that might be a long shot.
Thanks,
MichaelM
My frustration is already building because I know the claims adjuster isn't going to be too concerned; it doesn't look that bad but I know I will have to fight to get a new rear bumper plus trying to match the paint will be another battle that is ahead. I do not look forward to this.
Any suggestions or guidance would be much appreciated. If anyone knows of a excellent body shop in Southwestern Virginia, preferably the Roanoke area, I would greatly appreciate having their name - I know that might be a long shot.
Thanks,
MichaelM
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Hopefully the guy that hit you had insurance and you go through his insurance company so that you can get it fixed at the place of your choice. Also, start asking around for a body shop that knows Corvettes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Matching the paint isn't as difficult as it once was, thanks to clear coating and other advances in paint technology. The rear piece is an easy replacement and you might even be able to find one already painted correctly,,, with a bit of research.
If the other guy's insurance company begins to balk or screw around, just mention what a pain in the neck this whole 'rear ended' thing has become...
If the other guy's insurance company begins to balk or screw around, just mention what a pain in the neck this whole 'rear ended' thing has become...
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 567
Likes: 17
From: Lodi Ca.
From one Anni owner to another I hope things go well for you without a big fight...the neck thing may just speed things up a bit. I would like to know how this turns out esp. the color thing, thats where I would go crazy over. GOOD LUCK
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I agree with checking around for a shop that has a good rep with Corvettes. If you have a local Corvette club, check with them - chances are someone has had some body work done in the past and can give you a good recommendation. Best of luck - hope you get the car fixed quickly.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: oswego new york
Were the police called. Sounds to me that he was following to closely. Here in nys he would have gotten a ticket for it, solving and insurance issues, and getting your car taken care of right.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
Luckily, he has insurance and was very apologetic about the whole thing. I did call the police and they came. The police told me that I have the option of making a police report and that part would be handled through Criminal Court; that he would then be required to go to court, etc. The police officer also said that I don't have to file a police report and it can be handled through civil court, through our insurance companies. Like I said, the guy (young man) was very apologetic and said he would pay for whatever damage there was. I didn't feel the need to punish him any further with criminal court so I opted not to have the police officer file a report. I had always thought that you needed a police report for the insurance company but when I called them, USAA, they said it isn't necessary unless the other driver doesn't have insurance or there were injuries/a major accident.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 445
Likes: 4
From: San Diego CA
you dont really need a police report, the only thing insurance companies use them for is if theres a dispute of who was at fault they use the statements. Good luck with the repairs, just make sure you find a shop that has done vettes before. Depending on your color the match may not be hard at all or it may be very difficult, i would say the yellow would at the top of the list with hard to match especially on the vette because the rear bumper is very tight to the body not leaving much room and any little difference is very easily visible. But if its another color you shouldnt have an issue.
if a bumper can be repaired its usually best to repair it so you still have the old paint on the edges and only paint the repair area fading the paint out, so at the edges you have old paint against old paint and you cant tell anything ever happened. that will eliminate any color matching issues.
if a bumper can be repaired its usually best to repair it so you still have the old paint on the edges and only paint the repair area fading the paint out, so at the edges you have old paint against old paint and you cant tell anything ever happened. that will eliminate any color matching issues.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 18
From: NORTHPORT NY
Be sure to have the adjuster go to the shop where the car will be repaired. Dont bring it to the ins. Co. Claim center.
Let your bodyman argue it out with them. They always screw you at the drive in claim center............my 2 cents
Let your bodyman argue it out with them. They always screw you at the drive in claim center............my 2 cents
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
I have had some work done by my local Chey dealership and was very happy...dont overlook them, at least if you are not happy they are not so quick to wave you off. Good luck, Rob
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Michael, before you sign off on any offer, please note that you are entitled to an additional payment for, let us say, "depreciation" because you now have a wrecked and repaired car that is worth less than before.
This is a well-accepted premise in the insurance business but you often have to bring it up and/or fight for it; it will not always be included as part of the settlement. You're not being a dick by asking for what is due you.
Some companies try to foist off "10% of the REPAIR cost" as sufficient depreciation. Don't settle for that--you have a world-class sportscar that is now wrecked and repaired. Insist on 10% of the value of the car(or ask for more and negotiate down if necessary).
Good luck
This is a well-accepted premise in the insurance business but you often have to bring it up and/or fight for it; it will not always be included as part of the settlement. You're not being a dick by asking for what is due you.
Some companies try to foist off "10% of the REPAIR cost" as sufficient depreciation. Don't settle for that--you have a world-class sportscar that is now wrecked and repaired. Insist on 10% of the value of the car(or ask for more and negotiate down if necessary).
Good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
Here in California, the police won't even come out unless there is injuries. But, with that said, get a Police Report, having the Officer docuement that the person admitted to hitting your vehicle will nail the lid on the fault. Get your vette back to the way it was prior to the accident, NO OTHER EXCUSE, what ever the cost, you have the right to that, take no less. Note: It didn't have to be a vette he it, any vehicle.. Good luck.