Hello,

I have a question regarding a fender bender I was in, more so the claim. I was found not at fault by the other party’s insurance company and they are paying for the repair to my 2007 VW Jetta. But what concerns me is my vehicle is only three months old and now has a history of an accident. Is it wrong of me to ask her insurance company to compensate me for the possible depreciation of my vehicle cause by this accident? I’m thinking $1,000 would be fair, am I out of line to think this?

Accident: I was pulling into a parking spot when this lady opened her car door into my vehicle damaging the mirror and denting up the passenger front door.

Thank you for you time.

Yes I think it would be a tad out of line to ask them for compensation for depreciation. Just be thankful she did have car insurance (not many people do nowadays) and your car was repaired without taking it out of your own pocket, In my opinion.

Yes, that would be out of line. You depreciated your car when you drove it off the new car lot after you bought it. The repairs that will be made should make the car as good as it was before it was hit.

My three-month-old 2003 Neon was hit in the right front by a wild teenage girl in a beater Neon. After the repair shop got done fixing my car, I couldn't tell that I had been in an accident. They also gave me a limited guarantee on their work and would repair more if I experienced further problems that hadn't been dealt with because State Farm hadn't noticed them at the estimate.

Actually no, loss of value due to having an accident on the autos history is normal and acceptable. If you ask, they will normally pay without even questioning it, most people just don't ask. Any vechile that has a accident loses some value. I am not sure 1000 for a fender bender.

Hmmmmmm... Thank you all for your replies. I think I will ask for $1,000 and I'll be happy if they give me $500.

I'd be surprised if they give you $500. The type of accident involves no structural damage to the vehicle. Nothing that will affect the operation or handling or safety of the vehicle. This type of accident doesn't impact the resale value. Given that, I doubt if they will pay more than a token amount.