Legal Question in Business Law in California

Can My customer refuse to get an estimate for repair from my mechanic? I have agreed to pay for the repairs we caused, but have asked him to get an estimate from our mechanic first. He refuses, we wants to go through his insurance and then have them come after us for the cost. Can he do this?

Thank you in advance for your asssitance,

Debra Crawford


Asked on 3/19/13, 7:59 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles Perry Law Offices of Charles R. Perry

Nothing in California requires an injured party to use the mechanic selected by the party allegedly causing the injury. An estimate from your mechanic, however, may help in case you need to challenge the amount paid for the repairs in question.

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Answered on 3/19/13, 8:38 am
Carl Starrett Law Offices of Carl H. Starrett II

Mr. Perry is correct. The injury party is under no legal obligation to use your mechanic to get an estimate nor to use your mechanic to make the repairs.

I would suggest sending a letter to the injury party explaining that you want to have your mechanic to look at the vehicle to document the repairs that need to be done in case there is a dispute between you and the insurance company about the scope and cost of repairs. It is not uncommon for car owners with damage claims to "embellish" the damages when making a claim to their carrier in order to get more money on the claim.

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Answered on 3/21/13, 8:40 am


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