Car accident - liability for repairs

Morning, folks..... would appreciate some feedback on the following:


My girlfriend was in a minor car collision, fault totally hers, we are not disputing that. Two other cars suffered relatively minor damage (e.g. dented bumper, etc). We agreed that the owners would get estimates from a reputed car shop (e.g. Toyota Motors) and send us the invoices for insurance claim.


Estimates have come back which indicate that instead of repairs being carried out, the two owners are going for total replacement of parts (e.g. dented bumper = replace the whole bumper; dented car door = replace the entire car door). What is the normal practice in HK re: deciding upon reasonable repairs / costs? Do we have any say at all in this under HK law? Or do we have to accept whatever estimates we are given?


Additionally, we are advised that if we pay costs out of our pocket, we will not be given any detailed works invoice by the car repair shop. And if we opt to go the insurance claim route, the costs charged by the repair shop will be substantially higher - for the same job. What is this all about? Is it legal?


Totally confused and would appreciate any input.


Many thanks indeed

In HK, parties are allowed to negotiate instead of filing police report and claiming insurance. Since you are at fault, you are liable to pay for repairs. Unfortunately in HK instead of panel beaters car companies will replace the whole part. You can try negotiating but if the others won't budge they can go to police, file report and claim insurance. Anyway normally depending on type of car they may be willing to settle without insurers as they will need to pay excess.

If the costs are too high can you claim insurance? You should have 3rd party insurance which is compulsory. You will pay more premium next year as they will deduct your no claim bonus %.

Normally your insurance adjuster would deal with this…you are covered for third party liability we assume…why not have them earn their money and you back away?

Alby007


What about the material information you are supposed to declare to each and every insurer ?. Just moving insurers does not mean you can forget about your claims history, there are specific questions on the application form about accidents.