New Prius in minor accident

I am not a big Car Fax person, but to me if the car has had body/paint work, it needs to be disclosed to any future owner. So long as it is a reputable shop doing the repair work I personally do not see diminished value on a Prius. If it was a collectible car or limited production car, then yes.

My Prius has had the rear bumper painted 3 times because of asshats hitting me when I have been stopped at the toll plaza. All that ever happens is scratches to the paint. The repair shop I use, Brooks Motor Cars in Oakland (by the airport) is the best body shop I have ever seen. It is a day-spa for your car. I have all of the repair invoices in my Prius folder for the next owner when I am ready to sell it.

 

I find if you are dealing with a non responsive insurance company, just advise them, get your act together, or I will have my attorney have a chat with you..... it works!
However if you plan to play that trump card, actually call one, first call is free... explain whats going on and see what they say. If you don't ask questions, you don't get answers.

You came out here and asked the right questions, lets see what others suggest!!!

You should not have to fight to get the insurance company to take care of you!!!
Keep us updated on this annoyance in your life.

Come to think of it, the truck's insurance company should be the one footing the bill, not yours, contact their insurance, see what they say!

 

Sounds like your insurance agent is rather lazy. We pay insurance and yes it is easier for your insurance co for you to go through the other guys, but what do you pay insurance for? I have used my insurance company and they make sure I am whole then they deal with the other insurance company or owner to make them selves whole. It could possibly make my rates higher but I haven't seen that, I do see that my vehicle is fixed quickly and properly and I'm sure that my Insurance company gets reimbursed, that's why they have lawyers. JMHO

 

On the trust issue I totally agree, that other insurance does NOT have your interest in mind. Your insurance co. on the other hand would like to keep your payments coming in. Good luck but I'm confident your car will be fixed properly and the insurance company will deal with the head aches. Just be sure that whoever does the work you check and double check and don't leave until you are happy with the work. Sometimes body shops take short cuts and do less than perfect work. Also you should be able to go to any body shop not just the one the insurance company suggests so checking with friends that have had good experiences is a good thing.

 

Bad advice to you and one that makes their job easy. You should've filed a claim with your own insurance company and they'd cover the repair costs over your deductible and pursue the other party for repair costs and recovery of your deductible for you.

I was given the choice if filing a claim with my insurance company or dealing with the other party's insurance when someone rear ended me a few months ago. Hell no am I going to put up with the headache pursuing the other party for damages. That's what they're paid to do.

 

Look at your quote very carefully. Are they using genuine Toyota parts or aftermarket parts? Depending on your policy - you may have a right to disagree with any quote and request a choice of repair shops and genuine Toyota parts.

Also you are entitled to a daily fee for car rental too. If the insurance companies (yours and the truck's) are lazy, they won't tell you.

After your car is fixed, you don't have to sign off until you are fully satisfied. Point out any and all defects.

Then, if you have a receipt showing everything that was replaces was genuine Toyota parts, you may be able to sell your car for more in the future.

I was in the same boat. New car which got hit.

 

If the day comes in the future when you want to sell to a private party and you mention it was in a minor accident, they may think you are hiding the real facts. Take pictures and document the damage and save all repair estimates and such for future transactions.

 

First, I do not believe it's a reportable CarFax event. Second, your insurance company should be handling this on your behalf. I have successfully filed with the other guy's insurance company when I was rear ended and it came out OK.

Be careful that the other insurance company does not try to send you to some hack shop. Find out a reputable shop in your area and get a real estimate. You might also want to take it to your insurance company's local claims center and have them do an estimate.