What can you do if the claims department for the at fault insurance company wants to pay 750 for damages and you have 2 estimates for 1100?

Answer 1

I am going to assume that you have asked to speak with a manager at the claimant company. Assuming that you did, and they agreed with their appraiser's estimate, you do have another option or two. First, though, you need to bear a few things in mind. It is quite possible and very likely that the two estimates you got on your own are inflated. If a private individual walks into a body shop asking for an estimate for collsion damages, the shop is hoping that they will bring the vehicle there for repairs. They are also hoping they will make 'top dollar' for the work. It is not surprising to find that a shop has 'padded' an initial estimate, knowing that it can be negotiated down if there is a possiblity of them actually getting the work. *HAVE YOU ASKED THE SHOP TO ACCEPT THE ESTIMATE THE INSURANCE COMPANY WROTE FOR $750.00? Before you do, review the estimates closely and find out PRECISELY what is making the estimates you secured on your own so much higher than that of the carrier. It could very well be that they have padded it believing they have a private payor, who will simply pay the amount, without questioning. However, it could also be a question of parts: The private body shop may be using OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and the insurance company may be listing aftermarket parts. HAVING SAID THAT, PLEASE BEAR THIS IN MIND: Aftermarket parts are AS GOOD or BETTER than OEM parts. They are made on the very same assembly lines by the very same manufacturers, but they have been requested to put an automaker's label on the "OEM" parts..... You can also ask the appraiser at the insurance company to speak on your behalf to the body shop where you want the work done. He or she is more likely to be able to persuade the body shop to accept the estimate of the insurance carrier. DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO BELIEVING THAT HIGHER PRICED OEM PARTS ARE BETTER OR SAFER THAN AFTERMARKET PARTS. IT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE, AND HAS, AT TIMES BEEN FOUND TO ACTUALLY BE THE OPPOSITE. Other questions to consider: Is there prior damage to your vehicle that perhaps the at fault insurance company has omitted (rightfully so) from their estimate? Did the isurance company overlook unseen damage that cannot be determined prior to teardown beginning? (This is not likely; appraisers are as savvy about vehicle construction as body shop personnel; sometimes more so.) Good luck; just get your car fixed, communicate with the At Fault carrier's appraiser and adjuster.