Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrcold
No airbags went off.
I just got off the phone with the repair shop and the insurance adjuster. They haven't finished pulling the car apart yet, so I have no idea about costs right now. I did ask about the "uni-body and/or frame" damage and the shop explained that there very well could be frame damage, but the buckling seen on the exterior rear quarter panel doesn't always indicate frame damage. He said given the angle of the hit, the frame could be perfectly intact but the sheet metal buckles if there was enough force at the fender/bumper connection point.
He did say that if this was the case, they would typically "pull" the sheet metal to see if they can get back in spec or replace the entire quarter panel and re-weld (shitty in either case). He also mentioned that I would be VERY surprised how quickly the cost can add up with this type of repair, but not to get my hopes up of it being a write off. To be deemed a total loss in Ontario, the repair costs would need to be over 75% of the current replacement value of the vehicle. So I'm guessing that there would need to be $15k+ worth of damages to be written off...?
Also, the insurance adjuster echoed exactly what you just said about diminished value. We don't have that here in Ontario like many US states do (totally sucks). If I wanted to go after any depreciation due to the accident, I would have to take the guy to court and try and recover that way. Which I'm sure would cost me more in legal/time/aggravation than what I would receive in compensation (if anything at all).
Bah this sucks.
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Won't cost you that much money for the diminished value claim. Just use a company here in the states. They can do all the research and give you a value.
Take the guy to small claims court, and present your evidence. If the court rules in your favor, he easy part will be done. Getting them to pay what they owe you...might not be so easy.
They will need pics of the vehicle showing the damage and the complete repair bill showing all repairs and supplemental repairs.
The shop was right to tell you that this type of repair can cost a lot. It can. When I saw the pics of the damage to your car I was thinking between $8-11k easy.