Help on Auto damage issue by Condo building

[desi101]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

I live in high-rise building and have outside parking. Few days back, building next door to mine had some stones flying in the night and broke windshields of about five cars including mine. Our building management decided to go with one particular Body Shop to fix everyone's car. I have new front and back windshields by this shop. When I asked them to check body damage, they found some minor damage on body too and adivsed to paint the body.

Now my dillema is - I rather prefer to have it painted by aurtorized dealer instead of this Body Shop. I want to know what are my options at this point?

I don't want to engage my auto insurnace company as it's not my fault that stones started flying from building nearby. And I am affraid if I engage my auto insurance company, I will have to pay for deductible as well as my next year's insurance will increase.

My questions is when it's not my fault - why can't I go to my preferred repair shop? I always get everything done at dealer's shop including oil changes. Please advice.

Thanks.

[Cosmot0731]

Hi,

Laws differ in each state but in most states, even when it is not your fault at all, the insured (the condo association in your case) and their insurance company can not force you to use one of their shops. You have a right to choose the shop. Now they can not agree with the estimate from the shop you would like to choose but if your shop is reasonable for the market area then there shouldn't be a problem.

If you had to submit this to your company, yes you would have to pay the deductible, but would get it back as soon as your company gets reimbursed from the condo's insurance company. Also, with most companies (can't say all) this type of claim where you were not even in the vehicle and was completely not your fault, then your rates should not be affected. Also this would most likely be a comprehsive loss which also most companies don't raise rates for.

Hope this helps.