I settled an auto accident outside my insurance for the amount on the person's estimate. The person had the car fixed somewhere else, outside of Los Angeles, California and now wants the additional amount it cost him. He had it fixed in Vancouver. I did not agree to anything besides the estimate I have. I've turned it over to my insurance now to see if they can at least reimburse me for what I paid him. I doubt they can cover him on the rest because he has had the car fixed and they have no proof. Am I really responsible for the additional amount it cost him? I am curious if he takes me to small claims court if he could win because he took it upon himself to take the car elsewhere. Of course I had to rear end a Mercedes S550.

Hillo ill:

Did you get that agreement in writing? No?? Do you have a copy of the estimate that you paid on?

I don't know. You could win. I'll give it 50/50.

excon

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Originally Posted by excon

Hillo ill:

Did you get that agreement in writing? No??? Do you have a copy of the estimate that you paid on?

I dunno. You could win. I'll give it 50/50.

excon

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I have the estimate that I paid on and I have a scan of the front and back of the check I wrote him from my bank website. On the memo part of the check I wrote that it was settlement for accident. I'm just wondering if him having it fixed elsewhere without providing any proof gets me out of it.

No you don't owe him any money but you learned a good lesson, about by passing the insurance company, what you do before you give him a settlement check, for payment in full. Of all present and future costs, for all damages to car and personal.

When they sign that, you give them the check. Most likely he got a higher bid, and says I can get some summer vaction money form this man.