Car Insurance Claim- Am I Getting the Shaft?

Question

I got a fender-bender in the parking lot at work. His insurance company took forever deciding who was to blame, but finally decided it was mostly the other guy. In any case, after jumping through several hoops, I get a call from their adjustors saying they were calling my local body shop to arrange the repairs, get used quarter panels and stuff.

I was honestly expecting the check and just drive it banged up and take the check as depreciation. sounds like I am not getting any choice in the matter.

Am I supposed to? Is this common practice for them to wheel and deal with the body shop and "fix your car for you?"

Any experiences or insight would be helpful!

VB

Answer 1

The money is yours -- you can repair your car, wipe your butt with the check or buy crack -- it doesn't matter. Just TELL the insurer to pay you direct and you will handle the repairs yourself. Now -- you may have to let the insurer send one of their own appraisers to inspect the car before you get paid but this is common practice.

P.S. -- you cannot DEMAND new parts.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You are getting screwed.

You can ask for new parts if you opt repair.

On a side note nearly the same thing happened to my car 10 years ago.  The company cut me a check.  That then helped me pay off the car early.  I still have the car and it still has the scrapes and dents were I was backed into in the parking lot.  Gives the car character.

Answer 4

You can take a CHECK or the estimated price, HOWEVER, I would take it to the Car dealership that sells that brand of car to get a NEW PARTS estimate.

Answer 5

Assuming you own the car, no finance company or bank involved, you can go to the body shop of your choice, get an estimate, and bill the insurance for that amount, get paid and do whatever you'd like with the money.

If there is a legal owner, you will have to get it fixed.

Answer 6

Insurance companies will try to find the best way to save themselves money. My suggestion is to get a couple of estimates from body shops even if they do the estimate with used parts, then submit these estimates to the insurance company along with yours. What I mean is let them know that you are willing to take care of it yourself for X amount of dollars. Make sure that your bid is considerably less than the body shop estimates and don't let them talk you down from that price (They will try). Most companies will accept your bid to save themselves money. Then the check you get from them is yours to do with as you please. Hope this helps.

people need to report this guy at the bottom, voteing everyone down but himself.