Mud

I don't disagree, my view was that if repairs were questioned at time of resale or trade, it's simple to point to use of MB approved facility. We have used a good local shop on truck repairs and they did a great job.
So it's a sort of window dressing using the MB facility, but in my case they did a very good job. My dealer rep did contact me to ask about repair quality.
Anyway the bottom line is to get a good fix.

Diminished value claim is arguable on low level claims. I had the entire door replaced with used MB rather than pull metal and use fillers etc. For me this was preferable route even though paintwork was needed. The diminished claim value was negligible for this repair. Quality of repair even into hidden areas was excellent.

I guess that's the risk and price to pay to drive - I'm more of a defensive driver and my dash cam captures all kinds of craziness out there.

raja777m

I'm sorry, I'm a noob here.
Submit the quote to insurance company and get a check. Get the changes made outside in a different shop and save some money?

As per depreciation, will Geico do any favor and fight on behalf of us or I have to go to claims court? Also, there would be deductible also, around 500 or 1000, which will increase my premium costs too, right?

I found this headlight assembly, haven't researched other required parts here, that small scratch is something looks like I can live with, compared to 2500$ OEM brand new one (saving 2000$ for small scratch).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2016-M...t2qO:rk:4:pf:0


and similarly look for bumpers from salvage that matches mine and get professionally painted to match my 4+ years old Diamond Silver Metallic?
Thanks.

MnRiverman

You apparently deal with the shady side of the repair street.

Knivels

I would get about 3 quotes from dealer approved shops to get an idea. These cars have a ton of electronics. I once had a valet service crack my front bumper. Whole bumper had to be sanded and painted as the crack was only with the paint. Trim moldings are apparently one time use... in all, almost $2k for a tiny bumper paint crack close to the headlight washer. The po asking sensors also needed to be reset/coded after the bumper was reattached to prevent errors. The lighting package with the adaptive headlights require some work to get them leveled too. Sure there may be folks who can handle this but I'd rather pass the buck. If the other party doesn't have insurance, your insurance can cover this for an uninsured driver and you shouldn't receive a rate hike... be frank with your agent and share with them all your concerns.

In my case with our other car, I shared with the claims agent for the driver who had rear ended us that we wanted to pursue the diminished value claim. He didn't object at all. I researched comparable vehicles with and without accidents to compare the difference. They didn't object. Like in all things, never accept the first offer... they will go higher the next time... goodluck!!!

raja777m

Called the cop who is handling our case. He couldn't write a ticket to the kid without insurance, because his system showed there is active insurance on his computer. I asked him to contact the owner of the vehicle and ask for the valid insurance info.
If we purchase insurance for 6 months and cancel it mid-policy term, will it still show as covered? Any cops in the house..!

akingzkid

Dang, your bumper was trashed and his car has some minor paint transfer. His can probably we buffed/waxed out. Doesn't say a whole lot for our car's durability (bumper at least). He was coming backwards with a vengeance!! I was trying to listen to what the person was saying to him on the phone. Sounded like they were saying something about a license. Hope this all works out for you. I would have been FUMING!!!

akingzkid

On second thought that was most likely someone that you were on the phone with.

raja777m

Sorry, I didn't get what you're saying. You mean I was distracted and on phone? I just dropped off my friend and forgot to put music even. He wasn't on phone either until he opened the door, he was just stupid to go fast in reverse and not see where he was going.

RealtorGordonB

Awesome use of the camera- I have never owned a camera but got hit this July 2018 by a reversing pick up truck in hospital parkade- I had aftermarket steel bumpers on my jeep and received no damage- big dent in his OEM steel bumper- it could easily have turned around if he claimed I ran into him. With the MB I would need to be honking like crazy and reversing myself or be off to the bodyshop. Hmmm- thanks for sharing.

KEY08

akingzkid

Are you talking about the black spot on the top part of the bumper where the paint is missing? If so, that was there already. I watched the video several times and looked at his car as he was backing up and that spot was already there. If you aren't talking about that then just ignore what you just read. LOL.

akingzkid

No. Not saying you were distracted. I heard someone talking on the phone in the background. I could hear it when you were showing the close ups of your bumper. I was trying to hear what they were saying. I thought it was him talking to someone on the phone but maybe it was you calling to talk to someone to tell them about the accident.

raja777m

Ya, he was on his phone to his mom explaining the situation and asking them to come over.
He was saying the bumper and headlights were already damaged, I said, "Don't embarrass yourself further, let the cop come and insurance company deal with it; I'm not interested in talking to you anymore".

akingzkid

Wow. Nice try young man. LOL.

raja777m

1. I tried calling 4 insurance companies and none of them have the vehicle under insurance.
2. Cop is usel*ss and can't help me further, he simply said to "Sue them for the damages" (as it is a civil matter as of now) or go through my insurance as there is no deductible.
3. Since there are no personal injury, 99% of the lawfirms are not taking my case. Unless I need to lie there is injury to me also, which I don't want to lie (none of them suggested me either, don't take anyone wrong here). The case would come under "Property Damage Category".
4. Called Geico and since I'm in NC, I can claim for the "Diminished value" and I WILL GET IT; However, my policy would go to underwriting, meaning they are ready to screw me over my premium from next renewal (my understanding).

Please suggest me with other options.

LemonSqueezy

Do you have geico? Do you have the deductible waiver on your policy? You might be able to go through your own insurance and have them waive the deductible due to uninsured motorist. Then just repair your vehicle through your own insurance.

Are you getting diminished value though your own insurance carrier? Is that even possible lol. If they're going to hit your premiums, maybe try small claims court against the other party for diminished value instead if with insurance

raja777m

Oh, if I can split them and get away without increased premiums, I would do that way. Yes, no deductible in my case.
Ya, started looking into small claims thing now, even the investigation office suggested the same.


edit: Just called Geico, "Either I use the diminished value or not, my policy would go to underwriting a month before my renewal period. At this time, there is no guarantee my premium would go up. If I use the uninsured motorist claim".


Small claims court person said, they will give a court date, if the other party pays for it, it is good, else, there is no guarantee I would get the money but it'll go to collections.

KEY08

I have no recommendation for you, but what a **** ty situation this is. You've got the video of the entire incident and cannot get any satisfaction from the insurance companies, who are jacking you around and will raise your rate without a doubt if they go paying for diminished value. Make sure you have great before photos of the exact extent of this damage. If you sell privately in the future at least you can show the buyer what really happened. That goes a long way to explain the Carfax ding.

PatrixUSA

agree... sorry to read (and see) of this op...

? to op, don't know local state laws, but are you saying geico (your own ins co) will raise your rate if you file the claim with them? - or only if you file a claim for diminished value? i ask bc i was not aware that in nc an insurance co could raise your rates for a no-fault claim...(which is clearly the case in your case) - in other words, they cannot penalize you for filing a claim for what is not your fault... or can they (distinct from the diminished value claim)? just curious...

raja777m

The kicker of this situation is, I just called DMV and learned the tags are expired at the time of incident. WTF is the cop doing not stopping a vehicle with no insurance, expired tags and an irresponsible person letting to drive the car on the roads again.
And when the incident happened and the police came to the scene, the mother of the driver and this cops appeared to be known to each other and they are friends of sort.

Yes, I asked them and they said, even if I don't claim for diminished value, they will look into my policy every 6 months to see if they can raise my premium (they say to decrease it, but nah) and if I have a claim, even not at fault, they will raise the insurance premium (I know this first hand from an experience in 2013).

rustybear3

That is why you are getting screwed by the cop. Happened to my Dad years ago.

KEY08

Call the police station and report the cop. Give them the information you received. If they give you a raft of excuses call the TV stations.

PatrixUSA

well that sucks...
and that sucks too... but as key posted, if you suspect preferential treatment... report it...
time to start shopping for a new car insurance co imo...

raja777m

probably. looks like it.

The Sergeant is not an African American, like the investigation officer or the owners of the other vehicle, so, I'll wait for his call (I emailed him, but did not say anything wrong about one of their's - Cop).

I don't want to get scrutinized because I ratted/accused one of their own. It is already worse in USA here for Immigrants (legal or illegal - no difference)..
enough rant.

Sure, will check with the Sgt. from time to time now.

I called all the insurances and learned the address was mentioned same, need to check with one last person before going to court house tomorrow.

Thank god, my car is still drive-able.

PatrixUSA

...or move to a state that prohibits surcharges (rate increases) on drivers who are involved in accidents through no fault of their own... ;-) a good thing about living in ca...