Car crash- what to do

[joe1234]

I would absolutely take it to a mechanic BEFORE Geico looks at your car.  In fact, I would take it to at least two, if not three, mechanics.  You won't know if you are fixing your car until you know how much damage was done.  Are you an expert in figuring out how may screws, bolts and unseen mechanical parts are necessary to fix your car?  Any mechanic who gives you an estimate has the potential of being chosen to fix the car.  You won't know until you get the estimate.

To be yasher, you can tell the mechanics that you want to get an estimate to possibly fix your car.  (I probably would not tell them I am getting more than one estimate.)  You may be surprised.  You may find yourself a mechanic who really knows his stuff more than your own.  You are assuming that the insurance company who is at fault may try to minimize the damage that is done.  They may go for straightening a metal piece (leaving pock marks) instead of buying a new one or just doing a touch-up paint job (with mismatched coloring) instead of painting the entire piece. 

This way, you are armed for the Geico estimator (the adjuster decides how much you will get based on the estimator's estimate) to make sure he includes everything.  Yes, you can negotiate with the estimator and adjuster by treating them with respect and care.  This is best done in person at the time when you give them a cold drink on a hot day, etc.  I would call Geico's claim department and ask what their policy is regarding them getting an estimate (before giving them your specific info, because then it will certainly go to the same adjuster).

When Geico (or whichever company is at fault) is ready to pay, you may request that the check go directly to you instead of the car mechanic.  This is what I have done in the past, but I believe it may be your right even though they may tell you it must go to the shop. The amount you negotiate with the mechanic who eventually will fix the car (or not) has nothing to do with the exact amount of the check that you receive.
 
The other guy's insurance might go up no matter how much the company pays out and I believe it might even go up at any "at fault" incident that was reported, even if nothing was paid out (need to double check that).  This is the reason you and he pay insurance premiums.

ETA I wrote this as a general procedure, not necessarily for a minor scratch on a fender.  It is up to you if you want to accept the slight damage on your bumper as a potch from Hashem without going through the hassle yourself and expense for the other guy.

all the damage is just a few small holes on the back bumper and a nice size dent on the liftgate, which closes fine... everything else looks good... is it a good idea to go to the dealership(Honda) to get an estimate? will they give me a printout?

[avromie7]

all the damage is just a few small holes on the back bumper and a nice size dent on the liftgate, which closes fine... everything else looks good... is it a good idea to go to the dealership(Honda) to get an estimate? will they give me a printout?

There can be frame damage that you don't see.

[srap]

all the damage is just a few small holes on the back bumper and a nice size dent on the liftgate, which closes fine... everything else looks good... is it a good idea to go to the dealership(Honda) to get an estimate? will they give me a printout?

Will your car be devalued because of this damage when you go to sell it?  It is your decision if you want to forgo that.
Some body shops charge for estimates, but will reduce the final cost by the amount of the estimate if you do the work by them.  I wouldn't choose that type of shop. 

Honda would be a good place for an estimate, but check to see that it will be of no cost.

[Mf1]

My sister got into a minor crash in Brooklyn and the police haven't come after 2 and a half hour. Whats the best way to speed up the process before Shabbos

[joe1234]

do I lose by going through my insurance in order to negotiate a higher check? would my insurance go up if they know about a rear end crash or would they find out either way?

[M218]

My sister got into a minor crash in Brooklyn and the police haven't come after 2 and a half hour. Whats the best way to speed up the process before Shabbos

say someone got hurt... although not guaranteed.

[YitzyS]

say someone got hurt... although not guaranteed.

Reminds me of the famous joke:

Guy calls cops. "There's a robber in my garage." Dispatcher tells him to lock his door and stay put, as there are no officers in the area to respond at the moment.

Guy calls back two minutes later. "Never mind. I shot him myself." 25 cops on the scene 30 seconds later.

[joe1234]

Reminds me of the famous joke:

Guy calls cops. "There's a robber in my garage." Dispatcher tells him to lock his door and stay put, as there are no officers in the area to respond at the moment.

Guy calls back two minutes later. "Never mind. I shot him myself." 25 cops on the scene 30 seconds later.

At least he gave it a shot…

[shmoe joe]

I wasn't comfortable lying... after all it was a minor fender bender...

and you not even sure you wanna fix it because you have a damage wavier so what’s the tread about?

[joe1234]

and you not even sure you wanna fix it because you have a damage wavier so what’s the tread about?

to get the best buck for my bang...

[shmoe joe]

to get the best buck for my bang...

correct me if I’m wrong but insurance pays to fix car if you don’t fix they don’t pay. So if you don’t wanna lie how will you make the most for your buck

[avromie7]

correct me if I’m wrong but insurance pays to fix car if you don’t fix they don’t pay. So if you don’t wanna lie how will you make the most for your buck

You're wrong. They pay for damage regardless of whether or not you fix it.

[shmoe joe]

You're wrong. They pay for damage regardless of whether or not you fix it.

ok thanks for clarification

[aygart]

You're wrong. They pay for damage regardless of whether or not you fix it.

But they will low ball their estimate and anything more will be contingent on the work being done

[etech0]

But they will low ball their estimate and anything more will be contingent on the work being done

IME, it depends

[joe1234]

IME, it depends

On what? Sometimes they’re fair for no reason?

[etech0]

On what? Sometimes they’re fair for no reason?

I don't know but I once had someone else's insurance company pay very well for body damage based on a quote from an authorized repair shop, and we never fixed it.

[joe1234]

I don't know but I once had someone else's insurance company pay very well for body damage based on a quote from an authorized repair shop, and we never fixed it.

Did your insurance know about it? We’re they involved in negotiating?

[M218]

Reminds me of the famous joke:

Guy calls cops. "There's a robber in my garage." Dispatcher tells him to lock his door and stay put, as there are no officers in the area to respond at the moment.

Guy calls back two minutes later. "Never mind. I shot him myself." 25 cops on the scene 30 seconds later.

And reminds me of a favorite joke.

Dispatcher: 911 what’s your Emergency.
Person: There is someone dead by my door.
Dispatcher: Could you make sure he’s dead.
Background: Shots fired...
Person: Now I’m sure he’s dead.

[etech0]

Did your insurance know about it? We’re they involved in negotiating?

Not at all. IDK if it makes a difference but it was a valet company, maybe they have better insurance? 2 valet drivers hit each other and one was driving my car.