Non Fault Accident

[foxyferret]

My daughters car was stationery when another car reversed into her in a car park. The other woman driver said it was her fault but didn't want to go through insurance and agreed to pay. It was only slight damage, a scratch and small dent. My daughter got 2 quotes from local garages and sent them to the other driver. She replied saying the cost was "steep" and has suggested one of these mobile repairers called Chips Away. My daughter is not keen on this as her thoughts are they will just do a patch up job. She really wants it to go to a proper garage. The other woman was not very happy. Is my daughter within her rights to insist the work is done by one of the two garages who have quoted?

[naomi24]

If it's creating a problem your daughter shouldn't hesitate to go to her insurers. She need have no further contact with the other driver.

[foxyferret]

Thank you both for that, from her latest text it sounds as if she has accepted the inevitable so let's hope she coughs up.

[naomi24]

If there's any doubt she should tell the other driver she's going through her insurance company. Why give herself the hassle for the benefit of the other woman? Whatever she decides I wish her luck.

[jno]

as naomi says. Agreeing to bypass the insurance companies is a favour to the other driver, which can be easily withdrawn if the other driver gets picky about it.

Though it has to be said... occasionally, even drivers involved in accidents through no fault of their own find their premiums mysteriously rising. So it may be worth your daughter trying to resolve it privately too.

[TWR]

Foxy, ask the repairers "What is the extent of the damage", if it's a bumper fotr the sake of argument, the bumper can be be knocked out of alignment due to it being plastic, I don't blame the other party for wanting to pay for it her self to avoid the insurance, I would do that myself, chips away are good but not for a major Job.

[Baldric]

Define 'Major Job'

[bhg481]

She really ought to inform her insurance company anyway. Under te terms of her policy she is obliged to do and IF the other driver gets awkward and refuses to pay up she may find her insurance company is not interested. I hear what people say about premium increases with no-blame accidents but not informing them may come back tomhaunt her at some time in the future.

[naomi24]

TWR, but the OP is hoping the other driver 'coughs up'. Doesn't sound too 'sound' to me. I think the daughter could find herself out of pocket.

[naomi24]

I agree with bhg481. Best in the long run to do things by the book.

[gingejbee]

To be fair, "smart" (mobile) repairers can do a very good job.

[Baldric]

Remember reading on in here in the last few days, someone saying 'Chips Away' are as good as the person who turns up to do the job.

[TWR]

You need to stipulate that the car has to be done to 1st class standards as this will reflect on the resale price should your Daughter decide to seller later, if the other party declines, let the insurance deal with it & let her know that, don't forget, your daughter will need a car for the duration of the repair, I would say 3>4 days for the repair.

[EDDIE51]

I agree with what has been said but 'Chips Away' do have a good reputation.
You could at least get a quote and see what they say. It may not be any cheaper if it really is just a scratch and dent. Will the other driver pay 'up front?' You do not want to pay for it and then the other driver refuses to pay.

[tonyav]

I have used Chips Away and other Smart repairers over the years and I have always been pleased with the results.