Contractors Scratched My Truck!

I need some advice, gentlemen. I've been having work done to my house for the past several weeks. Its been a frustrating experience, as I have had to have them redo things regularly, or remind them to do things they've forgotten. Anyways, the work looks good eventually but they're chuckleheads.

I was off work today and they were putting on some finishing touches outside. I go out and start talking with them about a Beer Meister kegerator I had out there. I tell them they can have it because I never use it and I head back inside. Later on I go out to get in my truck and there are two scratches about 1.5" long, about .5" apart and a dent on my passenger side rear door. The workers were gone so I called the contractor right away. He came out, his worker admitted he hit my truck with the Beer Meister, and looked at it and claims he has a cousin who has a PDR businedd and can take care if it.

Do I go along with that or find my own guy? Can I/should I tell my insurance agent? Is the contractor legally obligated to pay? My truck is a 2010 and this is the only dent or scratch on it so its killing me. How would you handle the situation?

Thanks in advance!

 

Research about his cousins business, read some reviews.
Treat it like you aren't in the situation you are in, and if you would choose this cousins business over any other business.
You can ask your insurance agent through.

 

I would never go along with : I know somebody or My cousin ...

The contractor is responsible for his employees.
Pick your own body shops to get estimates from and You pick from those. Let the contractor eat it.

 

This.

Notify your insurance company.

"My cousin the body guy" never materializes... it's just a way to get you to allow him to leave the property on good terms, or it's a way to avoid admitting that they don't have insurance.

It's too bad you didn't get a recorded or signed admission.

 

Ya eff that. They got a free kegerator our of the deal! I wish I got a free kegerator every time I accidentally scratched something

 

The cousins body shop called me today. Says he doesnt really do individuals vehicles, but works with dealerships. Im not sure if that means the quality would be worse or better than a different body shop. Or im overthinking it and its a wash. I told him I would weigh some other options and get back to him.

He said if he were my situation he would probably do the same and look at his options. Im very nonconfrontational so im glad the conversation went well. Thank you guys for your input. If only I would have just kept the freaking kegerator.

 

A scratch in your Tacoma you didn't put there is punishable by death...

I'd go through ins. To CYA or you could get it done somewhere and send the fool the bill.

 

Go get a dull rusty knife . Have the guy that scratched your truck unzip his ............never mind ..

 

Yes the contractor is obligated to pay. You need to get it in writing, on video or have a witness, that they admit to the damages. Then take it where ever you want and have it fixed, but I would not take it to someone they suggested. You will have to pay the bill and then send it to the contractor for reimbursement. If they do not pay you will have some documentation of guilt and agreement to pay, but you will have to sue in small claims court.

Or you could just turn it over to your insurance and hope your rates do not go up.

 

First off, they are liable for it. Second, my wxperience is never let those who damage your vehicle try to help fix it. It doesn't work out, and in the end you're the one who gets screwed.

I would contact your insurance just to let them know incase they need to sue if the contractor doesn't own up to paying for it to get fixed.

 

What a bunch of cock smooches. First they try and do the bare minimum on your house. Then you are a nice guy and give them your kegger and what do you get in return? A fucked up truck, shoddy workmanship and they tried to get away with it by never telling you about it.

I'd put bad reviews on Angie's list for their shit workmanship and ethics. And I'd get the best body shop to fix your ride. You should have gotten this contractor's insurance coverage sheet prior to hiring him, his carrier should be on there.

 

I'd go to insurance about it to be sure

 

If you file a claim, will it then eventually show up on a CarFax or other such report? Clearly minor/non-structural damage, but these days I can see a dealer or FTF buyer giving you the Waaaaaa, Rickyyyyy over it later.

 

Bummer. I had a new cherry Solara, loaded, with less than 1,000 miles on it. Was in Bay Area on hwy 80 and was rear ended by this knucklehead who was working on his brakes, got stuck, and decided he would drive to his uncles shop, (with front break lines disconnected - no $hit), on frickin hwy 80. He smashes in the back on my nice solara, then wants me to take my car to his uncle's shop for repair. I called the cops, went on record with this, then my insurance company. The insurance company took care of everything and took the knucklehead to court (he did not have insurance). BTW, con tractor should be bonded for this kind so stuff.

 

Haha!!! I LOL'd

 

If they didn't come to tell you immediately after they did it, and only admitted it after you called their boss...then you know that they're not trustworthy.

I'd be finding my own repair shop. Either get an estimate and have them pay the shop for it before you go there or have it in writing that they agree to pay the damages based on that quote.

 

My buddy smashed my antique 1957 Ford tractor into a tree. He took care of the repairs by hiring some buffoon who took a hammer to the fender. "It won't win any tractor shows" he said.

Never, never, never, never ever have the damager pick the repair shop. Never.

 

...agree with atomic47 Take it to a dealers body shop and get an estimate and when they finished the job deduct it from what you owe them. If you do this be sure you get the final invoice marked paid in full. Otherwise they may put a lien on your house. No many good contractors to choose from these days.

 

^X1,000,000 @ greyeyezz

 

Best comment right there! Beat me to it. If they are already shady about telling you up front that they damaged it, do you want to trust them? First off, I would contact the contractor and file a damage claim. Tell him that even if you decide to let the "cousin" fix it, you want it documented. It is within your legal rights, and if he shys away, contact your insurance agency, then contact the BBB, and then look through your contract to get the name of his contractor insurance. They are required by law in many states to have contractors insurance and a license.

Sure, you were being cool about giving them the additional gift, but they were being TOTAL asses by damaging your truck, then not telling you about it. If they had a "cousin" that could take care of it, then why didn't they come to you immediately after causing the damage and tell you, with an offer to repair it then?

As for the 'never let someone offer a "friend" to help fix something', I disagree. Insurance companies getting involved can cost you in the long run. I personally had a small accident about 10 years ago. Won't go into details, but it was my fault, and I admitted it to her. Did some damage to the rear bumper cover. She was worried that the insurance company would of course try to fix it super cheap. I gave her my insurance info, but told her that before she called, give me an opportunity to get it fixed. I talked to my manager at the dealership and she got in touch with the body shop manager. I bought her a brand new bumper cover, and paid for it to be body-matched on color. As soon as the paint was done I scheduled her to come in and get the cover swapped out. She was super happy and said her car was perfect. For me, it only cost the cover, and paint because I knew the painter at the shop. Just make sure that you get things done on the up-and-up, and not some shady deal. If the guy does paint-less dent repair at dealerships, as to speak to his contact there to verify his work. If he does quality work, give him a chance.