My $1,900 Test Drive

[HobokenStang]

Pulled from: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/accident-while-in-a-test-drive.html

Well, you have to carefully read you own insurance policy. In fact, then insurance adjusters must read your insurance policy and the dealership insurance policy.

To learn how to read a policy (does not read like a book), visit: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/read-your-auto-insurance-policy.html

Usually, you are liable for damages you cause to a vehicle while test driving the car. However, insurance follows the vehicle.

That is why dealers make you sign things so you assume all responsibility for any/damage (that way your insurance company is on the hook for everything).

If you did not sign anything making you solely responsible for the damage, then their insurance company could be on the hook for the damages.

Do not feel that this is morally wrong. It is not. The key is in how an insurance policy reads. You are responsible for the damages that you caused.

There is no way around that. However, insurance policies consider the driver the insured. In other words, you could be considered an "insured" under the dealership policy, meaning that they would cover the risk that they assumed for people just like you. Exactly what the dealership pays premium for.

The dealership will tell you that you must pay for everything and that you assumed every single thing, this is incorrect.

Simply provide your insurance information and allow for the insurance adjuster to do an investigation.

They have to read both policies and look to see if you are covered under the dealership policy (probably since you did not assume any responsibility).

If you are covered under the definition of insured or there are no exclusions for vehicles being on test drives, your policy will act as the secondary coverage, but your primary policy will be the dealership.

An investigation must be done, and their insurance company could potentially pay 100% of the damage.

I hope this helps - See more at: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/accident-while-in-a-test-drive.html#sthash.QjZ10VXC.dpuf

To clarify, I signed absolutely nothing in regards to this matter.

There's a couple of issues here. Even if I file a claim, the damage is still lower than my deductible, so I wouldn't be saving a cent. If the dealer files a claim, it's also below his deductible, and he could sue me in small claims court for the amount, since I was behind the wheel and theoretically negligent.

The second issue is that upon filing a claim, the car will be listed as being in accident, lowering its value, and making it difficult to sell, which works against the dealer.

So at the end of the day, the most I could realistically turn this to my advantage, would be to threaten the dealer with filing a claim to negotiate a lower out-of-pocket cost for myself, unless I'm missing something obvious.

Sponsored

 

[POOPonYOU]

If I'm coming in behind him to buy a New car....I don't want a "Repaired" Rim....

But what happens to cars that are damage during transport? Aren't those cars repaired at body shops and sold as new?

 

[POOPonYOU]

I wouldn't want it either but I'm not here speaking for the dealership, I'm trying to find out what's the best option for RimScratcher (sorry to lazy to scroll up...haha)

 

[RisingForce]

If I'm coming in behind him to buy a New car....I don't want a "Repaired" Rim....

And ^^this ^^


Those repair jobs are good for used vehicles. No new car buyer would want to pay for a new mustang with repaired rim.

 

[L8APEX]

They should have sold you the rim at cost at least....imo.

 

[Brent302]

But what happens to cars that are damage during transport? Aren't those cars repaired at body shops and sold as new?

I'm not buying a "Repaired" panel. The whole thing will be replaced.

 

[HobokenStang]

Also for those suggesting the wheel repair. IMO that is unacceptable. It should be all brand new equipment on a brand new car they are selling as new.

Agreed. As unfortunate as the situation is, and as much as I want to save as much money as possible, I don't want to ruin someone else's Mustang any worse than I already have by doing something like that.

For what it's worth, the car did have 40 miles on it already.

 

[RisingForce]

But what happens to cars that are damage during transport? Aren't those cars repaired at body shops and sold as new?

If rims are damaged they get replaced by brand new one from factory.

 

[DivineStrike]

If I'm coming in behind him to buy a New car....I don't want a "Repaired" Rim....

Lol looks like Brent beat me to it

 

[POOPonYOU]

To clarify, I signed absolutely nothing in regards to this matter.

There's a couple of issues here. Even if I file a claim, the damage is still lower than my deductible, so I wouldn't be saving a cent. If the dealer files a claim, it's also below his deductible, and he could sue me in small claims court for the amount, since I was behind the wheel and theoretically negligent.

The second issue is that upon filing a claim, the car will be listed as being in accident, lowering its value, and making it difficult to sell, which works against the dealer.

So at the end of the day, the most I could realistically turn this to my advantage, would be to threaten the dealer with filing a claim to negotiate a lower out-of-pocket cost for myself, unless I'm missing something obvious.

Everyone here is going to tell you to do the right thing. But you do what's best for you. Sorry, they don't pay your bills. If you're a high roller then handle it, if you're not then do what's best for you. No one gives a shit about you but you.

 

[POOPonYOU]

If rims are damaged they get replaced by brand new one from factory.

Right but do they replaced scratched bumpers with new ones or just paint them? Damage is damage.

 

[DivineStrike]

Agreed. As unfortunate as the situation is, and as much as I want to save as much money as possible, I don't want to ruin someone else's Mustang any worse than I already have by doing something like that.

For what it's worth, the car did have 40 miles on it already.

Ask to deal with them, at minimum even in court you couldn't win but very likely you could have the judge make you pay them at dealer cost rather than retail

 

[POOPonYOU]

One other thing? What the heck is up with your deductible? And the dealers? Almost $1900 worth of damage and your deductible is higher than that? WOW!

 

[Mustangchief]

He's not the customer if he hasn't purchased anything. He's just a prospect. That's all.
How do you see this as dealers fault? The only fault I see from the dealer is trying to charge for retail for parts. They should charge him their cost and eat the labor fees.

Best solution, plus give him the wheel and tire as a souvenir to sell to someone who wants a full size spare.

 

[POOPonYOU]

Best solution, plus give him the wheel and tire as a souvenir to sell to someone who wants a full size spare.

Yeah he can wear on a chain around his neck....

Sponsored