Fallen debris hit car - now what?

[Kaitlyn]

Around noon my mom was getting into the 401W and a garbage drunk had a piece of wood fall out and it hit my moms car. Hood/windshield/mirror/headlights damaged... this is the first accident the car has been in.

We took it to my mom's dealership who gave a quote of $6,000.

Accident has been reported and insurance notified. They are almost certainly going to tell her where to get it fixed... but how can she ensure she gets it done by a buick dealership?

Car was in great condition and deserves genuine buick parts, even though it would be more expensive...

What can she do?

[Mcp]

You have the choice as to where the car is fixed... its the law...

Most dealerships do not do the work but instead send it out... You might be better off to choose a great bodyshop....

ie 427 Auto collision (I dont not work for them)

[Kaitlyn]

You have the choice as to where the car is fixed... its the law...

Most dealerships do not do the work but instead send it out... You might be better off to choose a great bodyshop....

ie 427 Auto collision (I dont not work for them)

Are you able to point out where the law states that? Would be useful.

Andd when we went to the dealership they had a body shop at the back... I'm pretty sure its THEIR body shop, but if not, it's still tightly affiliated with the dealership

[hightech]

Personally I would hire a lawyer and sue the other party (garbage truck) for damages.

My friend had a gravel truck drop debris on his 2 week old BMW and caused significant damage to the car (new windshield, front bumper front light. hood dents, etc.). He got a lawyer and they sued for the damage to the car, general neglegance, and for legal fees and that more then paid for for all BMW parts and the car looked prestine afterwards.

I would never claim thru insurance. Why take a hit on your record because of someone else's fault?

[Kaitlyn]

She has reasons why she doesn't want file a lawsuit... just want to get it over with asap

[Mcp]

Its a good point.... It probably counts as a single car accident and so may affect your rates.... But on the other hand it could be a tough battle filing against a truck going along the hwy...

Where in the law?? No clue... They even tell you that at the police reporting station...

The insurance Co is allowed to suggest places to go but you have the final say...

[Spud72]

She has reasons why she doesn't want file a lawsuit... just want to get it over with asap

Does she know which company it was though? The truck company has insurance too. Who knows - maybe they won't fight it at all and it could go really smoothly.

[ratface]

Read your policy wording, you do have the choice of where to have it replaced. However, it can't cost more than the normal cost. So if you want solid gold parts, you will have to pay the difference.

This is covered by your comprehensive coverage, it isn't an at-fault accident, so no increase in your premiums. If you had swerved off the road to avoid the debris, it would have been at-fault.