Elmo P. Shagnasty <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote:
> You can also subrogate this to your insurance, should you have the
> appropriate coverage, and have them fix it. You then drive away in your

In this particular case, your insurance company may balk at making
frankenstein whole. But it may be worth it.

I took that tack without thinking anything of it when my car was hit.
The other insurance company didn't contact me until after I got my car
back. They muttered a lot about "you need three estimates... we won't pay
over our estimate..." I told them I really didn't care, that it was
between them and my insurance company. I think I made a wise choice, but
frankenstein might be different.

>> The first estimate I've received is for $3400. I plan to present her
>> with one more from a AAA approved local body shop. She would like us to
>> travel to Northridge (those of you in L.A., we live in Santa Clarita) to
>> a place called Yoshi's. Can anyone tell me if this is a good repair
>> shop? And, if I *do* respect her wishes by going there, should I be
>> compensated for the trouble it will be?

I wouldn't even start to weasel on the "other compensation" part.
Keep it simple. Real damages, something you would be able to recover in
small claims court (as a basis for thought, not an eventuality).
I would not go to a shop of her recommendation. I would stay local,
and look for recommendations locally. I would _definitely_ make sure a
report was filed. You say campus security took a report? In California,
if it's over some fairly small amount, even if you don't get the damage
fixed, you are required to report it to the DMV. Uusually a police
officer taking the report takes care of that.

$3400, especially for frankenstein, might cause some second-guessing
on her original plan of easy payoff. It's also too much money for me
to risk. I'd demand payment before getting any work done. If there was
more than a day or two of delay, I would just have my insurance company
take care of it.


> Protect yourself, and go where YOU want to go. Period.

The thought that the driver really ought to get nailed for such a bonehead
act also comes into play. But most important is that you not get screwed.

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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8-122.5