How do we get an insurance company to repair our vehicle to our satisfaction?

Question

My husband was involved in a wreck. The other party was at fault. Our truck has almost $12000 damage and has frame damage. The insurance is Progressive. We want the vehicle totaled because of all the damage. The value of the truck before the accident was $20000. We have been told by our local Dodge dealer that after repairs the truck will have a diminished value loss of $5000. Progressive will not do this and insists on repairing. My husband also has some neck and knee soreness and suffered a black eye and other bruising. Progressive is also pushing him to sign a medical release for $500. What should we do? We had a truck that was in perfect condition before this accident and we want the same thing now.

Answer 1

Carol C, For auto insurance the quickest way to get a cheap quote is do a car policy comparison. If you choose the same coverage levels, you can get an fast quote to compare against others. Use the same coverage area, auto make/model, mileage and driving history to ensure you get an apples to apples comparison. To get mulitple auto quotes, go to http://www.multipleautoinsurancequotes.c... and you can compare all the major auto insurance companies.

Answer 2

I wouldn't sign the medical release... that's just foolish.

However as far as repairs or total the vehicle, you're kind of stuck.  If the truck has a value of $20000 and they can repair it to be in the same shape as it was before the accident for $12000, why would they total it and give you $20000?  That just doesn't make sense.  If you want a new truck, they can't force you to make the repairs with the $12000 that they give you, so you could use that on a down payment on a new truck or whatever.  As far as repair or replace, that's not your choice... it's theirs, and they will do whatever is most cost effective for them.

Answer 3

Did you get other estimates besides the one Progressive gave you? If not, get two more estimates and compair them. You DO NOT have to let Progressive dictate what repair shop does the work, that is YOUR choice. Progressive DOES have the option of repairing or totaling the vehicle, whichever is more cost effective to them. Has your husband visited a doctor for his injuries? If not, he needs to. He should not sign the waiver unless the doctor tells him it is OK.  Progressive will be responsible for the doctor bill, but you MUST have informed  them of the injuries at the time the claim was reported or shortly after.