Tragedy has struck, need insurance info

[suprahabsfan]

Well last night I was in a parking lot, and when I came out after getting something to eat, I noticed my car had been hit, and obviously the driver didn't leave a note, and just left . There is a crease in my front fender and scrapes that extend to my drivers door, ruining my near flawless paint job. Now, I have comprehensive and collision, everything but underinsured/uninsured driver coverage. I am waiting to contact insurance agency, until I look a little more well informed. So, here are my questions to anyone who knows anything about insurance.

1. Do I need underinsured/uninsured driver insurance to get this taken care of? Since the guy ran? Or will collision/comprehensive cover it?

2. Will they paint the whole car? They can't just stop at the roof right? It would look stupid. Will the insurance company do that? (Progressive)

Thanks for any help. Police report being filed today.

 

[CyFi6]

For #2... They can match faded paint colors and they have all kinds of blending techniques..

 

[suprahabsfan]

anybody else?

 

[DsBetterHalf]

Having been hit 3 times in 8 months, two of which were hit and runs....comp and collision will cover it.

 

[suprahabsfan]

Having been hit 3 times in 8 months, two of which were hit and runs....comp and collision will cover it.

What a load off! thanks

 

[sethron71]

Don't let them just paint and blend! Make them paint the whole car. If you are persistant enough you will get them to do that. a 20yr old paint job is faded and will change with time and you will always know and see it yourself even if it isn't noticable to others!

GET them to repaint the whole thing properly. I will most likely be a fight and struggle but well worth the effort!

HTH,
Seth

 

[Who]

If they won't paint the whole card make sure the paint the entire body panels affected. Do not let them paint up to the pinstripe or molding or any other crap. Make sure they remove all molding and body kits and paint those separately.
Sometimes you can work out a whole paint job with the body shop outside of the insurance payment out of pocket of course.

 

[Jayhall]

in BC ive heard of an "embetterment fee" Where you pay the fee and they paint the whole car. My buddy paid a $400 fee and they painted the whole car instead of the 1 panel that waas damaged.

Another thing they do here, is for a hit and run fender bender, the deductable is $750, instead of the usual $300. I guess they had to many hit and run frauds.

 

[suprahabsfan]

Sethron, thats what I want to do. I WILL not be happy with just the fender being painted. Any ideas on what to say to the agent when he comes out, and the body shop guys where I get the estimate?

 

[CRE]

Careful with the whole insisting they paint the whole thing... they do have the right to total the car if the cost of repair is higher than what they deem a fair value for the vehicle... well, at least in CO.

I have also heard of people paying a portion of the difference to have the whole car painted, I'd go that route.

 

[Facime]

did you ask the business you ate at or any of the surrounding ones if they have surveillance coverage of the parking lot you were in? maybe you could get lucky and find out who did it.

how old was the paint on the car in the first place? if we are talking bout original paint I highly doubt you will get the insurance to cover 100% of the cost of a full repaint, but as other said, you can probably pay the difference. Most times on small fender bender claims the insurance company mearly cuts you a check for the damages and you do what you want with it anyway, so just find a shop that will do the repairs you want done within what you can afford with the settlement and maybe a few extra bucks.

 

[Nocheez]

Careful with the whole insisting they paint the whole thing... they do have the right to total the car if the cost of repair is higher than what they deem a fair value for the vehicle... well, at least in CO.

I have also heard of people paying a portion of the difference to have the whole car painted, I'd go that route.

They only have to make the car look as good as it was before the incident. Painting the whole car is not necessary, especially on a 20-year old car that's worth about $4000 NADA at best.

I know we have a lot of emotional investment in our cars, but that's just the way things work. My condolences!

 

[CRE]

Yup, I've got a cousin who owns an auto body shop... well, he's my step mother's cousin. Man the stories I've heard about what insurance companies can get away with if you push too far. He's a very honest guy, so I highly doubt it's BS.

 

[suprahabsfan]

Damn, well I guess the best route to go its to put the check they give me towards a whole paint job. This is such a shame, the paint is so glossy and shiny already. I cant believe this happened, I know accidents happen, but when they run it makes me so irritated. By the way... no cameras/witnesses :wtc: