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Dented and scratched

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ceres, Dec 18, 2009.

  1. Ceres

    Ceres Junior Member

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    Hi all,

    My '07 Prius got dented and scratched up while parked at a local grocery store (Trader Joe's). I bought this car only 7 months ago and now there are huge, long dents and major scratches along the left side of the car, starting from the driver's side door to the back passenger door. Judging from the residual paint left on the doors, someone with a white/silver car obviously didn't know how to correctly pull out of an adjacent parking space (and didn't bother to leave a note). I am so bummed. =(

    Has anyone here ever asked their car insurance company to repair cosmetic damages to the Prius like the ones I described? If so, has the insurance company penalized you because of it, such as raising your premium?

    Thanks ahead of time.
     
    #1 Ceres, Dec 18, 2009
  2. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    Any security cameras at the store?
     
    #2 BAllanJ, Dec 18, 2009
  3. Salsawonder

    Salsawonder New Member

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    I was at a TJ some time ago and this older woman with a boat of a car turned into a space rubbing and moving the car in the next space......I went in and got the manager. The woman did not even have a clue she had hit someone. It was not your Prius though.
     
    #3 Salsawonder, Dec 18, 2009
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    This sounds like a comprehensive claim so I wouldn't expect the premium to increase. If it isn't repaired & you are involved in a collision that adjustor will note "prior damage" and reduce your claim. I'd feel better getting it fixed.
     
    #4 JimN, Dec 18, 2009
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  5. jry423

    jry423 Member

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    This would actually be considered a collision claim, considering there is remnants of paint from another vehicle, at least in Ohio. Your insurance will cover it, but you'll have collision deductible, potential for increased rates.
    As for prior damage notations, I wouldn't reduce your claim if the damaged part were damaged again. A damaged door needs to be replaced or repaired, regardless of if it was already scratched. That said, I'm not gonna cover a previously damaged part that wasn't involved in the current claim.
     
    #5 jry423, Dec 18, 2009
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  6. Ceres

    Ceres Junior Member

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    Thanks to everyone for their advice and recommendations.
    BAllanJ: No cameras in the parking lot unfortunately. It was quite dimly lit too which makes for a perfect hit-and-run, intentional or not.

    Salsawonder: How I wish more bystanders were like you! Others would have just watched and went on with their business.

    JimN and jry423: Thanks for the insight. I have AAA car insurance, so perhaps they might be a bit more forgiving with any premium increase.
     
    #6 Ceres, Dec 19, 2009
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