So, my car had an accident and the back window shattered. When it was towed to the repair shop that my insurance picked, they left it uncovered for three whole days. The last 12 hours, it rained continuously. Now insurance says any water damage would’ve shown up by now during repairs, but I don’t agree with that. From what I’ve read, water can get into small cracks and cause rust, mold, and mildew down the line. Why won’t they consider this? I’m worried I’ll end up with a bigger problem later. Anyone have advice on what to do?
FYI, I’m in Canada. 
That’s considered extra damage and probably needs a separate claim if you want it covered.
Ultimately, it’s your car, so you’re responsible for it.
Haru said:
That’s considered extra damage and probably needs a separate claim if you want it covered.
Ultimately, it’s your car, so you’re responsible for it.
Kind of agree. If the shop has your car, they should protect it from more damage.
I’ve dealt with this before with snow. Once it’s on their property, they need to shield it from extra damage. In my case, they paid for the interior damage on top of the accident repairs.
@Vale
Most shops have it written that they’re not responsible. They can’t control the weather, and they don’t usually have indoor space for every car.
Haru said:
@Vale
Most shops have it written that they’re not responsible. They can’t control the weather, and they don’t usually have indoor space for every car.
Well, maybe these shops should look into tarps.
@Griff
If only it were that simple. This issue comes up a lot here, and shops are hardly ever responsible for weather damage.
@Griff
Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it to be kept indoors. But I definitely thought they’d at least put a tarp over it, especially since they said they would.
Haru said:
That’s considered extra damage and probably needs a separate claim if you want it covered.
Ultimately, it’s your car, so you’re responsible for it.
How can I file a separate claim for this? Feeling pretty defeated here. The police said it had to be towed, and the tow truck driver promised the window would be covered; but it wasn’t.
If the accident was bad enough to shatter the rear glass, it might be a total loss.
Zion said:
If the accident was bad enough to shatter the rear glass, it might be a total loss.
Insurance says they’ll pay $17,000 to fix it and go up to $21,000 if needed. It’s a 2020 Nissan Sentra.
Thanks for replying.
@Andi
No way. They wouldn’t put $17k into a 2020 Sentra. That sounds like a total loss for sure.
@Haru
It’s an SR model with only 48,000 km. Ironically, the low km and trim are working against me for a total loss.
Also, I’m losing $5000-$7000 in equity Nissan was going to give me when I returned the lease in 3 months. But I think in Canada, you can’t claim this kind of loss since it’s seen as diminished value, right?
@Andi
Location really matters here.
In the USA, diminished value (DV) can’t be claimed if the car’s a total loss.
Too bad about the lease. That’s why owning is sometimes better. Not a fan of Nissan myself, but it sounds like you had a solid car.
BTW, try updating your post with your location; it’ll help others.
@Haru
Sorry, one last question, then I’ll stop bugging you. 
Nissan says that aftermarket or recycled parts could void my warranty. Insurance says they’re approving repairs with aftermarket parts because I didn’t buy an extra OEM coverage add-on. Shouldn’t they have offered me this add-on when I got the car, especially since it’s a lease?
@Andi
That depends on the insurance agent. Some people don’t like what they see as ‘upselling.’
Warranty issues aren’t usually insurance-related, but if Nissan says that, they probably mean it. Check your contract. Just search for ‘aftermarket’ in it.
Oh, did you update the post with your location yet?
@Haru
Yes, I added it after your comment.
Thanks again.
Andi said:
@Haru
Yes, I added it after your comment.
Thanks again.
You’re welcome.
Saw the mention of a fire truck in your update. Wonder if they were responding to a call.
Usually best to go through your insurance when dealing with a company or city unless they admit fault.
@Haru
Maybe the repair shop or fire department is hesitant to accept fault? This can be frustrating if they don’t take responsibility.
Eli said:
@Andi
No way. They wouldn’t put $17k into a 2020 Sentra. That sounds like a total loss for sure.
Yep, insurance told me to go forward with repairs. My mechanic said it’s a total loss too, but insurance insists on fixing it.
It’s frustrating since the fire department was involved (their truck hit my parked car because of a malfunction), and we both have the same insurance company. I feel like they’re treating me unfairly because of that.
@Andi
Every car has a value, and insurance has a formula for how much they’ll repair. Cars that used to be totaled are often fixed now because repairs are so pricey.
A friend owns a shop and regularly repairs $50k+ damages on trucks worth $100k+.
It’s wild.