AboutCharlie Barone Expertise For questions involving auto damage claims, collision repair, forensics, industry practices, we can help. We specialize in claims for loss of resale value (Diminished Value).
Experience I have 30 years experience in the collision repair and body reconstruction field, both hands-on and from behind the desk. I hold a Master Certification from ASE in the Body and Paint category, as well as their certification in Estimating. I have authored over 120 feature and training articles for the largest trade journal devoted to the collision repair industry, and have given expert testimony in court dozens of times. Licensed physical damage appraiser in Pennsylvania and reciprocal states.
I live in Canada. I got involved in a car accident in Chicago Illinois with a rental car. I had no liability coverage. Now the insurance company is passing the claimed amount to me. However I was never involved in the auto repair process; that is, I do not know if they have acted in good faith to get decent prices for parts and labour. However I wonder if they have a legal obligation to send me all the details of the repair bill etc. and got me involved in the repair rpocess? Can I dispute the claim on grounds of lack of information and involvement? I have only received copies of the checks that they paid to the claimant and no other details so far.
If I am allowed to ask I have a second question: I do not have the amount that they ask for ready on my account. I would like to pay in installments. If I ask the administrative services to pay the amount installments are they legally obliged to come to an agreement with me to accept installments?
Thanks in advance for your response.
Sonat
Answer Sonat,
Look at it this way...if someone had damaged your new car would you let them (assuming they are paying the bill) to control the repair of YOUR vehicle? Tell you where you can take it for repair and limit the amount they will pay? Of course not. In the same way the rental car company owes you no involvement in the repair of their car. However, all things are subject to what is fair and reasonable in terms of repair costs, prevailing labor rates, etc.
You can demand all copies of the appraisal and final repair bill. They should have photo records for you, too.
Speak with the claims department at the rental car company. They may work with you on the terms of payment or make arrangements to have you pay in installments. Their only recourse is settling it in court. If that happens they have to be prepared to justify the repair costs. They don't want to go to court any more than you.
