Two days ago, I was backing out of a parking spot and did not see that a car was pulling in to the spot next to me. As I was backing out, my bumper hit their right back tire. There was no visible damage to either car. My car was caked with salt from the roads so it was difficult to see any visible damage in the dark with the salt on the car anyway). We exchanged phone numbers, but had decided that it didn't look like there was any damage to either car. Today, I received a phone call from the passenger. She told me her husband took their car to the dealership for an oil change and had that person look for possible damage. Supposedly, the guy looking at the car said that something (metal) could be bent. Since I didn't talk directly to the lady's husband, I don't know what really took place. I'm reluctant to give any insurance information out since I don't know if there's damage or not. I'm looking for advice on how I should handle this. I'm not very well at confrontation. I would like to call and ask if I could look at the car and bring someone with me who knows something about cars or does auto body work even though I don't know anyone who does. I live in Minnesota in case that information is pertinent. I need someone wise who could offer me some great advice.

I guess I should have explained earlier that I'm not "new" to getting estimates. I just had to get one a few months ago when my manual transmission car decided to roll back in my boyfriend's driveway and did damage to his truck. What I meant to ask is I need to protect myself as well. I'm in an area where you don't just trust anyone. They could be lying. Sure they can get an estimate but I've been told by a two people so far to see if I can see the damage (and bring someone who knows about cars with me). Of course, I'm not guaranteed they will let me see the car, but what if they're lying?? I don't know that they're telling the truth.

Ask them to present you with a repair estimate so you can decide to handle it yourself or turn over to your insurance company. Do not try to inspect it yourself, you aren't a mechanic or a body shop person so what good would that do. If they give you an estimate it will tell what is being repaired or replaced. Based on the amount you can pay it yourself or give it to your insurance.

Hello kojack:

Actually ballenger gave you pretty good advice...

You say you don't like confrontations, but you want to have one with this other person! Why would you go over there to discuss dents, when you have no idea AT ALL, about dents or how much it costs to fix them... How much should a teeny little dent cost to fix?? YOU have NO CLUE!

If you're afraid of being lied to, let them sue you. If they lie, they're lying to a judge - not to you - and they can go to jail for it.

Or, you could just pay to fix the damage you caused... I don't know know what you want to do. Maybe you could just turn it in to your insurance company - that's why you hire them – but you don't have insurance, do you?

excon

Comments on this postkojack disagrees: Information not informative to my particular incident

I really can't believe you said that. If you don't like the estimate from their body shop, you can ask that it be taken to a shop of your own choosing for an estimate. Most shops will give a free estimate.

But this is not something you should do yourself. I suspect you are afraid to report it to your insurance company because of the previous accident.

Thanks guys, I was a bit surprised to see my advice got a negative score. I understand that Kojack does not want to be taken by an unscrupulous person but several professional estimates are in line here.