[ggav73]

I was stopped at a light and a Saturn went into rear bumper of my Mini Cooper 2003. The shock was awful, I got out very concerned to see the disaster, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that poor Mini took it well, no obvious marks, just 2 small dents/incomplete holes in the rear bumper from the license plate of the other vehicle. I reported to the police who laughed at me because if I seek repair I will have to pay $500 deductible. I insisted and police filed the report anyway. Here are my questions and please excuse something that sounds like naivity, I came in USA 4 years ago and I am not aware of all the things I am supposed to do in this situation.
1.Should I go to Mini dealer and ask for an estimate? I am leasing this car.
2.Should I use my insurance or just try to find reaching an understanding with the other driver (at fault)?
3.Is it customary to ask the other driver to pay for the repair? At the end of the day, I was just stopped and now I have to pay maybe hundreds of dollars to get my Mini immaculate back.( I really don't feel comfortable leaving as it is, although, I repeat, the damage is not visible. But it's in my head, I hope you all understand me.)
Thank you for reading these lines, your input will be highly appreciated.

[Paul!]

I had about the same thing happen to me in my last car. I got the other drivers insurance info, and called their insurance company. I explained what happened (basically the other driver was tailgating me in pouring rain and hit me when I stopped for another car) and the insurance company said that they would 'investigate'. The next day, their insurance company called me back and agreed to pay all damages. They told where to bring my car, and pre-arranged payment so not one cent came out of my pocket. My insurance company was never involved or even contacted. Didn't even have a police report!

The only difference here is that you might have to go to a MINI dealership for repairs. You would have to talk to your MINI dealership and the other drivers insurance company to figure out exactly what to do.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out!

-Paul!

[EBMCS03]

You should definetly contact the other drivers insurance company and see what they say. He hit you so his insurance comany should pay for the damage, not you. It might be good to contact your own insurance just to let them know what happened but tell them what you are trying to do. Trying to get the other party's insrance to fix it.

[ggav73]

Thank you, I will let you know how things are doing.

[bradman]

Actually, start by talking with your insurance company first. Describe to them the incident, give them all of the information, etc. It has been my experience that one's own insurance company will deal with getting reimbursed by the person at fault's insurance company for the repairs to the car. That way you can get your car fixed right away and not have to personally deal with the other person's insurance company.

[MiniTiger]

Quote: Originally Posted by ggav73

... but I was pleasantly surprised to see that poor Mini took it well, no obvious marks, just 2 small dents/incomplete holes in the rear bumper from the license plate of the other vehicle. ....

I too was rear ended over a year ago in my MINI, but I sustained more damge than you. I know that jarring feeling you are talking about. I had to have the bumper skin and rear hatch replaced.
IMHO You may want to have the frame of the bumper (under the skin) inspected. Just because there is no visible evidence of damage, the bumper may have been doing it's job in absorbing the impact and may have some damage. If you don't get it fixed and someone hits you again, it could do more damage than with good bumper.

[stryder]

You should also be able to choose where you want your car fixed. If you think the dealer will do the best job (they probably will, unless you know of a better shop or one that's got experience on MINIs) you should go there.

Anyway, you did a good job filing the police report. Both your insurance company (who shouldn't have to pay, but will fight for you) and the insurance company of the Saturn's driver will want a police report, especially since that report probably says the Saturn was at fault, which makes it very clear and obvious that you shouldn't have to pay to get your car fixed.

Its totally customary, and expected to get the other driver (when they're at fault) to pay for the repairs to your car. When you call your insurance company, you can ask them to explain the process, and they should help you along since you're not experienced.

[ggav73]

Thank you very much for all your help, it was really useful.
Updates: I called the other driver insurance and they will take care of it. Actually, it is the same company I am insured with but they stated clearly that my policy will not be affected. The MINI dealer said they don't have a body shop and they recommended one in the neighborhood. Yes, Minitiger, I think that is a good idea, there may be damage under the bumper and I will ask them to change the bumper and to take a look at the chasis.