Parked my truck, and was hit during school

[Eric Ehoff]

What is the name of your state? MN

I was inside school when a girl came up to me and informed me she rearended my truck as she was pulling in... I said ok, it will be fine, i will look at it when i get out of school, and get a hold of her if necessary. I got out of school and my chrome bumper was hanging lopsided, and twisted, and she also broke the liscense plate light and the housing it is in. I told her i am going to get estimates, and was told by my parents to go to the dealership. My truck is a 97 ford ranger, and the bumper isnt TOO bad, but definately noticeable. Does she get to pick where its estimated or fixed, or can I pick? ( i want it estimated at the dealership) any help is appreciated, thanks!

[racer72]

She should demand you get 3 estimates and then pay the lowest one. She can also let you file a claim with her insurance and you will basically have to accept what they offer. This could include having the vehicle fixed where they specify. If you want to know a little secret, the body shop at a dealer is probably the worst place to get an estimate. The don't deal with older vehicles that much and tend to lowball the estimates because they would rather work on the higher profit margin newer vehicles. I can also find good used bumper for 97 Rangers in the $100 price range, add an hour of labor, and you truck is as good as the day in was wrecked. Don't expect a big financial windfall if that is your motive.

[stephenk]

There is no requirement at all that you have to get more than one estimate. If you want to fix your truck at the dealership get the dealership's estimate. Also factor in the labor time on the estimate to determine the time your truck will be in the shop. you are entitled to loss of use during that period. Loss of use is typically determined to be the reasonable cost of a rental car for that period of time.

If the other party balks at paying the estimate amount, sue the driver and car owner in small claims court.