by nanette » Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:31 pm
I was going out with my friend, and she asked that I park my car in her garage for some reason. I did, and she said that my car was sticking out too far, and that she might not be able to close the garage door. There was a bike in front of my car, and I was afraid that I would hit it when I pulled in. We were sitting in her car in the driveway getting ready to leave. I said "OK, I'll move it". Before I could even do anything, she proceeded to push the garage door button, while I yelled "Stop! Stop! What are you doing? Push the button again, it's going to hit my car"!
She then continued to watch the door descend and said, "Don't worry, the door goes up if it senses something in the way". Well, the door was stuck on the back of my new 5-Series BMW, leaving the garage door wedged open by about 20 inches. I said "Don't do anything, I'll climb under and move my car in, and maybe the damage won't be as bad".
For some strange unknown reason, she pushed the button a second time, and re-inflicted the same damage, as the garage door ascended.
When I went to look at my car, there was a 6 X 1/2" gouge on the trunk with a corresponding dent down to the bare metal.
My friend said, "Don't worry, I'll split it with you. The local auto body shop charges less if he knows you're not going through your insurance". I was silent as I processed this information. I was astounded that she would think I should share this cost.
I said "This car is less than 6 months old, and it doesn't have a scratch on it. I have been so careful with it. I've never had an accident, except one time a rock rolled out onto the road while I was driving and it punctured a tire and dented the undercarriage and door of my previous car about 3 years ago. Quite honestly, I'm not the one who pushed the garage door button-I told you that I would move my car".
Anyway, I'm not going to let this damage our friendship, but I don't want to pay a penny for the damage to my car. I suggested that she contact her homeowner's insurance agent first. How should this be handled?
Thanks,
Nanette
She then continued to watch the door descend and said, "Don't worry, the door goes up if it senses something in the way". Well, the door was stuck on the back of my new 5-Series BMW, leaving the garage door wedged open by about 20 inches. I said "Don't do anything, I'll climb under and move my car in, and maybe the damage won't be as bad".
For some strange unknown reason, she pushed the button a second time, and re-inflicted the same damage, as the garage door ascended.
When I went to look at my car, there was a 6 X 1/2" gouge on the trunk with a corresponding dent down to the bare metal.
My friend said, "Don't worry, I'll split it with you. The local auto body shop charges less if he knows you're not going through your insurance". I was silent as I processed this information. I was astounded that she would think I should share this cost.
I said "This car is less than 6 months old, and it doesn't have a scratch on it. I have been so careful with it. I've never had an accident, except one time a rock rolled out onto the road while I was driving and it punctured a tire and dented the undercarriage and door of my previous car about 3 years ago. Quite honestly, I'm not the one who pushed the garage door button-I told you that I would move my car".
Anyway, I'm not going to let this damage our friendship, but I don't want to pay a penny for the damage to my car. I suggested that she contact her homeowner's insurance agent first. How should this be handled?
Thanks,
Nanette
Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 03:08 pm Post Subject:
She is responsible for the damage that occurred to your vehicle and she should pay the entire cost. It's up to her how she wants to do that. Her HO insurance should pay 100% of the loss.
Nice that she offered to pay 1/2 of the cost. :roll:
Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:18 am Post Subject:
Nice that she offered to pay 1/2 of the cost.
The way she had proceeded with the car, it seems a great decision on her part to have agreed to bear 1/2 of it. I wish her HO carrier faces no problem in paying for the loss, but I'm not too sure of her insurance costs in the future.
Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:33 am Post Subject:
I'm with T her carrier should cover it 100% plus any car rental while it's in the shop...
pay half huh? and she's a great friend? really? hmmm
I'd go to the shop of YOUR choice, get an estimate, present it to her. She can either pay it in full out of pocket or present it to her HO carrier.. If she refuses present it to your collision carrier they will pay for it minus your deductible they will then in turn look to her (and her home owners policy) to reimburse them and for your deductible.
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 07:47 am Post Subject:
If your friendship is so dear you may opt for the alternative way as shown by Lori. That way, you'd be able to avoid the bitterness coming in between the two of you (for the time).
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