My car is due to arrive in 1 hour.The shipper just called and told me that a wire came loose inside his truck and rubbed some paint off the front fender, he already called a local body shop and got a quote for $500. He wants to take $500 off the shipping COD fee. Im pissed. What is the best way to handle this? I already called the broker and left a message. Im thinking of keeping the $500 and then taking it to a high end body shop in scottsdale which im sure wil charge more than $500. What should I do?

 

Tell him you will take the $500 now, and whatever the difference is when you take it to the shop of your preference, you will then bill them the difference.

Get this in WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Take digital pictures and write the agreement down, so there is no misunderstanding. For sure take the 5ger now and bill them later for the rest!!!!

 

Good luck. I think it will cost more than $500 (get them to pay)

 

Take full documentation on this and get him to sign something in writing. So get to your computer and type a formal letter up. Take detailed pictures with your digital camera as well.

 

I don't know guys, if it were me, I would not take the $500. You should not accept partial payment for anything. I learned that a long time ago. Accept delivery for the car once the driver acknowledges in writing the damage that was done. Go buy a Polaroid (even if it costs $50) and take a photo, have the driver sign the back acknowledging that that is the damage in question and file a claim with the trucking agency, their bonding agency, and the insurance company for that agency. The worst case scenario is that you will have to report the incident to your insurance agency and they will fix the car and go after the carrier. It should not be collision since the car was not being driven. It should be a comprehensive claim.

That's my .02 worth.

 

take the $500 . just make sure you dont sign anything claiming that the damage has been paid for in full or is in accordance of satisfaction. then bill them for the rest which may or may not be more than the $500.

 

I totally agree. Notify your insurance and let them battle it with his. Dont take the cash.

 

That would be the correct way of doing it for sure, once you accept partial payment you are screwed. Do what the good doctor said and let your insurance company take care of it your premium will be ok. They have better resources in getting paid then anyone else.

Bajo

 

Do not take the $500. Get a quote from YOUR shop, then deal with getting paid. Like others said, get it in writing.

 

That sucks. I feel for you.

When I shipped a car from Chicago to SoCal, the shipper managed to scratch the hood, roof, front and rear fenders, and doors. They had no idea how it happened. The shipper's insurance company paid for the repaint, but the car was never the same. I lost my virgin. Selling it was even harder. No one believed me that it was never in a car accident.

It's intercity all the way. Even if it means 1-2 months wait.

 

Well I got the car before I could come back here to check for advice. I took the $500 and made a copy of the insurance info and the guys drivers license. Here is a pic. Can anyone give me an idea of what a hi end shop might charge to fix it? It basically rubbed down to the primer in 3 small spots. Thx for all the advice. Its hard to be too upset though now that I have taken it out for a few drives.

 

scary stuff... prefer Intercity or anyone that uses a ''liftgate'' design. no scrape for low car & at least no moron will burn ur clutch. that's something eyes can't see.

 

This is gonna cost you way more than $500. Good luck getting it out of the shipping company as you just accepted their settlement.

 

It shouldn't cost more than $500 ... I had a palm sized dent from road debris with paint damage on the hood of my Mercedes. Had it repaired at a well known shop in Costa Mesa for $750 ... it was silver.

G