I took my car to a service center for servicing today. They took it out for a test drive, and now my car is severely damaged. They’re saying they’ll repair it, but I’m worried it won’t be the same. Should I push for a replacement instead of repair? I’m really frustrated and upset right now. Any advice on what my next steps should be?
File a police report and contact your insurance.
millicent said:
File a police report and contact your insurance.
Don’t let them repair it. You have the right to choose where you want it repaired, and letting them handle it might lead to a poor-quality fix.
@Amanda
Make sure to also consider the lost value of your car. Even minor accidents can reduce the resale value. You may be able to get compensated for that.
smart said:
@Amanda
Make sure to also consider the lost value of your car. Even minor accidents can reduce the resale value. You may be able to get compensated for that.
You could also consult with a lawyer who isn’t focused on accidents or personal injuries. It could take some pressure off.
millicent said:
File a police report and contact your insurance.
Chances are, your insurance will handle the situation with the service center’s insurance. The car is probably not going to be replaced but repaired.
Get in touch with your insurance. It’s unlikely they’ll replace the car unless it’s totaled, but they can work with the service center’s insurance and let you choose a repair shop.
You should speak with an attorney. At the very least, you can ask for compensation for the car’s decreased value, and you can choose which body shop repairs it.
The only way you’d get a new car is if your insurance totals it. They’ll send an adjuster, give you a value, and if repairs are needed, you pick the shop. Your insurance will go after the dealer.
Talk to a lawyer.
Let your insurer handle this. The dealership might try to lowball you on the repair quality.
The accident also hurt your car’s resale value.
I agree with everyone else. Contact your insurance and tell the dealer not to touch the car. They might try to fix things quickly to avoid further losses.
Like others said, if they fix it, they’ll probably cut corners. If it’s not severe enough to total the car, neither the insurance nor the dealership might replace it. At least pick the repair shop if it’s going to be repaired.
Get a lawyer.
Please update us on what happens.
Can you post pics? Also, did they do a drug test on the person who crashed it?
Have it repaired elsewhere. They can’t argue that it’s not in everyone’s best interest. As far as replacing the car, they are only obligated to return it in the condition it was when you dropped it off.
Call the dealership’s corporate office and report the incident. Tell them you want the car replaced.
It’s definitely a conflict of interest for them. Get it fixed by a third party.