What to do?

Peerless135 · 01-28-2009, 12:59 AM

So my 1er was parked in front of my work tonight and at one point i noticed someone parked extremely close to me. I walked out and couldn't see anything since it was dark but i wrote down their license plate # just in case. After they left i went out and notice 4 scratches all approx 1/2 inch - 1 inch.

I don't know what to do! Can i do anything? i have their license plate number but nothing else... i called the non emergency line in SF and they told me i needed to file a police report but they had no idea if i could hold them liable or if it would have to go through my insurance.

on a side note the scratches took off the paint not just a surface scratch that could be buffed out.

thanks for any advice!

Oregon · 01-28-2009, 03:44 AM

So sorry for you. For the very reason you experienced tonight I am very careful about where the hot rod gets parked. Is there any displacement in the metal, is it bent/dinged?

135i_TT · 01-28-2009, 03:50 AM

Dang that sux... I know someone hit my VW while it was parked at work and I didnt know who it was (found out later it was someone who workd there) but the cop said l he can do is give me a case number bc it was private property... the other person paid me the damage amt to fix the car but if not I dont know what I would had to do.. I wish you luck to get it fixd...

buckwheat986 · 01-28-2009, 06:17 AM

it sux but its part of owning a nice car...you can try to repair it yourself with dr color chip or something similar like the pens they sell or just live with it...or go to a body shop

as far as liability with the other car...i think it would be hard to prove...

good luck

gnpower · 01-28-2009, 07:21 AM

Look up the license plate number and see where they live. Check out their car for any scratches that may match the same location. See if there is any paint swap. If there is then there is your evidence. Have a talk with them and see if they will swap insurance info. Other than that there's always buffing it out.

sunking420 · 01-28-2009, 07:41 AM

Just take it to the dealership, get it fixed properly, and leave the perpetrator alone. It's more trouble dealing with an idiot than it's worth. If they were stupid and careless enough to do the damage in the first place, I doubt it gets much better when dealing with them. Then, from now on, park in Siberia like I do...At the mall I park far enough that it looks like a set up by local law enforcement to catch vandals...Walking is good exercise as well.....

2AD Tanker · 01-28-2009, 10:13 AM

Try to contact them to see if they are reasonable people who will do the right thing. Perhaps they didn't realize they damaged your auto and would be willing to make it right.

If they are goofs, sunking420 said it already!

fxhomie · 01-28-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnpower

Look up the license plate number and see where they live.

OP is in California. Unless you're in law enforcement or have clearance, that info is not available. I know from experience. Even law enforcement can't use the database for private purposes, such as this alleged incident.

ZIPNBYE · 01-28-2009, 11:14 AM

And unless you have a witness, your luck in the matter will likely be ZERO, unless their car can be found and the offending scratches line up with the thing that scratched them. Given that you have to file a police report, the likelihood that they'll take the time to find the other party is slim, given all their other priorities, so you won't get what you're looking for out of it.

Sadly, that's life. Many other people have zero consideration for the property of others (stems from a lack of concern about their own property).

Sucks...but what can you do.

gnpower · 01-28-2009, 11:26 AM

Internet. There's ways.

boostin · 01-28-2009, 11:43 AM

that definitely sucks. i had my S2000 on a college campus for 4 years so i know the pain of coming out to your car and finding new marks almost every week. if you can't get the person to pay for it, just bring it to a body shop. as long as they don't have to paint a HUGE body panel for only a 4-inch space, you should be ok.

Tom K. · 01-28-2009, 12:56 PM

Have you checked with your insurance co. to see if it's covered under comprehensive? Perhaps they can do something with the license plate #.

Hope it works out for you.

Tom

Peerless135 · 01-28-2009, 01:41 PM

Thanks for all your advice... guess i'll just have to deal with it. I contemplating going through my insurance but I just get the feeling this will happen again and paying my $500 deductible isn't something I feel like doing now. (I would much rather spend it on a SSK or a RR intake)
I guess it was just wishful thinking that someone would have a brilliant solution that I hadn't thought of yet. But as I thought I'm screwed and will just have to learn from it and park far far away from anyone. thank again

F0Bman · 01-30-2009, 01:34 PM

Sorry to hear that man. When I park my car, I try to park far away from any other vehicles. Sure its a far walk but a lot more peace of mind.

FOXYCaymanS · 01-30-2009, 01:48 PM

You should have called the police to come and do a police report right then. I had a similar situation happen where a 16 year old ran into a previous car of mine and dented the front bumper, he tried to go "drive" off but I took pictures

and called the cops right then and there. They did eventually find him; I didn't press charges since I was able to file through his parents insurance company. This was in Florida and we were both State Farm clients. I'm not sure if it's typical for them to have actually paid, but I was fortunate. Unfortunately there will always be envious and bitter individuals - but Karma is a

01-28-2009, 12:59 AM	#1
Peerless135 Private First Class 3 Rep 168 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	What to do? So my 1er was parked in front of my work tonight and at one point i noticed someone parked extremely close to me. I walked out and couldn't see anything since it was dark but i wrote down their license plate # just in case. After they left i went out and notice 4 scratches all approx 1/2 inch - 1 inch. I don't know what to do! Can i do anything? i have their license plate number but nothing else... i called the non emergency line in SF and they told me i needed to file a police report but they had no idea if i could hold them liable or if it would have to go through my insurance. on a side note the scratches took off the paint not just a surface scratch that could be buffed out. thanks for any advice!
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01-28-2009, 03:44 AM	#2
Oregon NRA Life Member, BMW CCA 30 year member 184 Rep 2,614 Posts Drives: 04' M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon iTrader: (1) Garage List 1971 2002 [0.00] 2004 M3 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	So sorry for you. For the very reason you experienced tonight I am very careful about where the hot rod gets parked. Is there any displacement in the metal, is it bent/dinged? __________________ Resigned 1ADDICTS Moderator “To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them.” – George Mason
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01-28-2009, 03:50 AM	#3
135i_TT 1Addict, and proud 163 Rep 1,436 Posts Drives: 2009 AW 135i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i ZMP ( ... [0.00] 2006 VW Jetta TDI ( ... [0.00]	Dang that sux... I know someone hit my VW while it was parked at work and I didnt know who it was (found out later it was someone who workd there) but the cop said l he can do is give me a case number bc it was private property... the other person paid me the damage amt to fix the car but if not I dont know what I would had to do.. I wish you luck to get it fixd... __________________ BMW AW 135i ZMP:6mt,Coral Red Leather,Silver Matte Trim,Heated Front Seats,I-Drive,HD Radio,Ipod/Usb,Comf.Acces www.wix.com/TT135i/Moi
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01-28-2009, 06:17 AM	#4
buckwheat986 Lieutenant 12 Rep 468 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	it sux but its part of owning a nice car...you can try to repair it yourself with dr color chip or something similar like the pens they sell or just live with it...or go to a body shop as far as liability with the other car...i think it would be hard to prove... good luck
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01-28-2009, 07:21 AM	#5
gnpower Lieutenant 19 Rep 475 Posts Drives: BMW ///M Sport 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Red Sox Nation iTrader: (0)	Look up the license plate number and see where they live. Check out their car for any scratches that may match the same location. See if there is any paint swap. If there is then there is your evidence. Have a talk with them and see if they will swap insurance info. Other than that there's always buffing it out. __________________ ///M 135i
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01-28-2009, 07:41 AM	#6
sunking420 First Lieutenant 12 Rep 334 Posts Drives: '08 SGM 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Flagler Beach, Florida iTrader: (0)	Just take it to the dealership, get it fixed properly, and leave the perpetrator alone. It's more trouble dealing with an idiot than it's worth. If they were stupid and careless enough to do the damage in the first place, I doubt it gets much better when dealing with them. Then, from now on, park in Siberia like I do...At the mall I park far enough that it looks like a set up by local law enforcement to catch vandals...Walking is good exercise as well.....
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01-28-2009, 10:13 AM	#7
2AD Tanker Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 135i Black Sapphire Metallic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Beer town USA (Milwaukee) iTrader: (0)	Try to contact them to see if they are reasonable people who will do the right thing. Perhaps they didn't realize they damaged your auto and would be willing to make it right. If they are goofs, sunking420 said it already!
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01-28-2009, 11:14 AM	#9
ZIPNBYE Let's save military ranks for those who earn it! 45 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: ...on the Ragged Edge Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada iTrader: (6) Garage List 2013 BMW e92 M3 Cou ... [7.50] 2013 BMW e84 X1 xDr ... [7.00]	And unless you have a witness, your luck in the matter will likely be ZERO, unless their car can be found and the offending scratches line up with the thing that scratched them. Given that you have to file a police report, the likelihood that they'll take the time to find the other party is slim, given all their other priorities, so you won't get what you're looking for out of it. Sadly, that's life. Many other people have zero consideration for the property of others (stems from a lack of concern about their own property). Sucks...but what can you do. __________________ Richard 2013 BMW M3 Individual -- Fire Orange (sold) 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i M-Sport -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe (#205/220) -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2009 BMW 135i M-Sport Coupe -- Space Grey (sold)
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01-28-2009, 11:26 AM	#10
gnpower Lieutenant 19 Rep 475 Posts Drives: BMW ///M Sport 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Red Sox Nation iTrader: (0)	Internet. There's ways. __________________ ///M 135i
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01-28-2009, 11:43 AM	#11
boostin First Lieutenant 4 Rep 316 Posts Drives: MY00 S2000 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	that definitely sucks. i had my S2000 on a college campus for 4 years so i know the pain of coming out to your car and finding new marks almost every week. if you can't get the person to pay for it, just bring it to a body shop. as long as they don't have to paint a HUGE body panel for only a 4-inch space, you should be ok. __________________ MY00 S2000 #8712
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01-28-2009, 12:56 PM	#12
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Have you checked with your insurance co. to see if it's covered under comprehensive? Perhaps they can do something with the license plate #. Hope it works out for you. Tom
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01-28-2009, 01:41 PM	#13
Peerless135 Private First Class 3 Rep 168 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all your advice... guess i'll just have to deal with it. I contemplating going through my insurance but I just get the feeling this will happen again and paying my $500 deductible isn't something I feel like doing now. (I would much rather spend it on a SSK or a RR intake) I guess it was just wishful thinking that someone would have a brilliant solution that I hadn't thought of yet. But as I thought I'm screwed and will just have to learn from it and park far far away from anyone. thank again
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01-30-2009, 01:34 PM	#14
F0Bman First Lieutenant 3 Rep 309 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear that man. When I park my car, I try to park far away from any other vehicles. Sure its a far walk but a lot more peace of mind. __________________ Fully Restored 1985 Corolla GT-S 1987 328ci SR20DET Drift Car 1989 Honda Civic Si-R Current Project 2002 Corolla CE Daily Driver www.TheTunerSource.com
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01-30-2009, 01:48 PM	#15
FOXYCaymanS _ 152 Rep 426 Posts Drives: Cayman S / Rover Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta & Florida iTrader: (0)	You should have called the police to come and do a police report right then. I had a similar situation happen where a 16 year old ran into a previous car of mine and dented the front bumper, he tried to go "drive" off but I took pictures and called the cops right then and there. They did eventually find him; I didn't press charges since I was able to file through his parents insurance company. This was in Florida and we were both State Farm clients. I'm not sure if it's typical for them to have actually paid, but I was fortunate. Unfortunately there will always be envious and bitter individuals - but Karma is a
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