K.G. asks from Mansfield, TX on February 27, 2008
Need Good Honest Car Repair Shop
Hi all - I was rear-ended on Cooper Street yesterday by a 20 y.o. girl. Thank goodness I was in the SUV as she hit me pretty hard. It looked like she might have totaled her small car. Anyway, she called later and said she did not want to go through her insurance company just yet but wanted me to get an estimate. I do understand what she is doing since she was afraid of her rates going up. Guess I have 2 questions...has anyone used any local (S.Arl./Mansfield) car body shops for any type of repairs which you were very pleased with? Also, if the girl decides to pay out-of-pocket for the damage, is there any reason she needs my insurance information? Just wondered about because when my son just got his driver's license he rear ended a small truck on wet pavement and of course, we decided to pay out-of-pocket; the man he hit would not give us his insurance because he said there was no need for it since it was not being turned into the insurance company. And I guess we never did need it. The girl's father is insisting he have it even if he is not going through his insurance. I am always so leary about giving out personal information, am I being too paranoid? Thank you for any information anyone might have.
So What Happened?™
Thanks to all who gave me advice. I did not give them my insurance info. but instead called her insurance company directly. The young girl finally reported the accident to her insurance company to whom I spoke with today. The insurance company accepted liability and I plan on going to a couple of the repair shops you recommended. Thanks again for all the encouragement and helpful hints you provided. Happy motoring!
Featured Answers
D.R. answers from Dallas on March 04, 2008
There is a good, inexpensive repair shop in Maypearl on FM 66, acutally Main street. it is Ken's paint and body th #is ###-###-####. We have used him several times. My only complaint his he is slow, but the job is done right.
More Answers
D.H. answers from Dallas on February 27, 2008
I think if you want your car fixed right and you don't know a good body shop (I don't either)- go to the dealership. And I really cant see what the girls father can get out of having you ins info- they wont help him or give out private information but he already has your name and address--personally I wouldn't make and issue of it, He probably just wants to make sure you have ins so that way he could tell you to claim the accident and he pay the deductible. Did you make a police report? But you always have the right to chose if you want to make a claim on hers or your ins- your choice its law, you could always take it to small claims it they fail to pay in a timely manner.
R.L. answers from Dallas on February 28, 2008
ok, first off i firmly believe you ALWAYS trade insurance. what can they do with your insurance info that could hurt you? and you should have her's incase they decide not to pay. but trust your instinks! if it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it! what if she told him it was you fault!
second. this guy is in fort worth, but he is GREAT!! very good work. fast. cheap. he doesn't give you stuff you don't need or anything like that. we send everyone to him and no one has ever come back complaining! call jerome at ###-###-####. i think that is his cell, but it might be the shop number.
good luck!
T.M. answers from Dallas on February 28, 2008
If this lady is not giving you her information from her insurance company and she is the one who hit you then i would definatley not give your insurance information. Her father may try to call your insurance company and make up some story trying to make it your fault. I think that you should get her insurance info and deal with it the correct way. How do you know that they are going to pay out of pocket in full? You can not trust everyone. (Does she even have insurance?)
J.S. answers from Dallas on February 28, 2008
Good Morning K.,
My name is J. I got in a car accident in November. An Hispanic lady hit me with no drivers license. She said to me please don't call the police I will pay you off my pocket. She had kids in the car and no documentation to be in the United States. I felt sorry for her! Happen to be that there was a police officer across the street who seen exactly what happen. He did not take care because I did not let him I said it was an accident and that she will pay. After I saved her from trouble, I contact her to see what we where going to do and she said to me it was your fault I'm getting a lawyer. I had no choice than to claim it on my insurance good thing I had a police report and her information.
When it comes to an accident don't feel sorry. You will end up being screwed. Let your Insurance Company take care of everything!!!!
M.B. answers from Dallas on February 27, 2008
I just recently used Auto Tech Services out of Mansfield. This company has fixed several of my friends and family's cars over the past few years and I would highly recomend them. They are Christian owned and opperated and very plesent to deal with. They were great about helping me get my car back as soon as possible, they met me after hours one night to let me pick it up. I don't know about them needing your ins info, The girl that hit me did use her ins and it was all traded at the accident, I have a small child that was with me and she called to have the fire dept come check him out so of course we got the police too. That is something that the guys at Auto Tech might be able to awnser. Their phone number is ###-###-####. I hope this helps you.
A.M. answers from Dallas on February 28, 2008
I would get her insurance info. and talk to her broker. Then once you have all the contact info. you can work with her if she wants to pay out of pocket instead of filing. If it isn't actually filed, then it shouldn't count against her even if the ins. co. knows about it. There is no reason they need your insurance info. In fact if you report it to your insurance co. your rates may go up. If you don't feel comfortable with the arrangement for out of pocket payment, don't hesitate to file. That is what insurance is for.
A.S. answers from Dallas on February 28, 2008
Oh my goodness! I would never ever give out that insurance information. It gives them knowledge about you that they don't need. I think you are being a wise woman to guard your privacy in the matter. If she is willing to pay out of pocket, I would be the one who would still require her to give me her information as she is the one that is liable for all damage and you want to make sure you get your car fixed back to it's original condition. Blessings and best of luck to you!
C.W. answers from Dallas on February 28, 2008
As for the insurance info, call your agent and ask him what to do. They shouldn't need your info. As for setteling it out of pocket, I wouldn't do it. I've seen too many Judge Judy's to know that never works. What about a rental car you might need when it's in the shop? What if something later comes up with neck or back problems? Anyway...talk to your agent. You did nothing wrong and should made whole. As for a body shop - Auto Tech Services is the BEST! Great honest guys at a fair price. Rick Gardner is the owner ###-###-####. Most insurance copanies use his services. They are at 1856 Lone Star Rd, Mansfield, TX 76063. Hey knows who I am, so tell him I sent you and tell him what these people are trying to do. He should have some great advice, I'm sure he's seen it all.
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