What Would You Do?

dgl24087 · Jul 13, 2009

Ok, here's my dilemma. An elderly woman backed into my car today, did a minor bit of damage, likely not noticable to the vast majority of the population. She pushed the front fender in about 1/8 of an inch at the headlight, and has pushed the bumper cover out of alignment about the same. She immediately apologized and told me to get an estimate and she would pay me for the dmamges. The car is 4 days short of 4 years old and has about 65,000 miles, not a mark on it until today. Do I just write it off, get the estimate and take the money, or compromise?

Wayne County Hose · Jul 13, 2009

Loads of variables here. What was her attitude? What vehicle was she driving? Did she seem poor, well off, or inbetween? Is it a Roush Mustang or a Honda accord? Most likely, for a car that's 4 years old and with that minimal damage, just drop her a note telling her to have a nice day and if she felt compelled to do something, make a donation to the local wounded veterans organization.
BTW, yes, I have done this before. My vehicle was a little newer and had a little more damage and it is a Ford Ranger. Told the lady have a nice day and do the same for someone else someday.

automech · Jul 13, 2009

If she was ok with getting the estimate, do it I say. You may be suprised how expensive these small hits can get. It's not like she cried and said she was dead broke. Let her insurance company handle it, it probably wont cost her anything

Hooked_on_HP · Jul 13, 2009

Get an estimate and then decide what you want to do. On todays cars there is nothing cheap when it comes to repairs. Just remember, if you trade it in or sell it, you will get less money because of the damage. Most body shops in my area are over $100 per hr shop rate.This can add up in a hurry.
Bill

MossRoad · Jul 14, 2009

A kid in a parking lot kissed our door with his bumper. Tiny crease. $700.00 repair!

Less than $100.00 for parts and paint. The rest was all labor.

20 20 · Jul 14, 2009

Depends on how much you like/love/care about your car. If it's no big deal to you then don't make it a big deal to her. If she offered to fix it then mabe you should, once again what does it mean to YOU.
Wayne County Hose; I like your way of thinking, making a donation might be the other way to look at the issue. After all if she is older then chances are she was married to a VET korean or maybe even WW2???????