It was their fault, but their insurance only paid about half due to their own estimate. I went to a local body shop and found the cost of repairs at twice the amount. The insurance company policy is that they won't pay any more until auto is at the shop and the shop calls to iron out the repair cost with the insurance adjustor. The thing is I don't want to fix it, but I want to be reimbursed the full damage done to my car.
Do you think body repair shops would go in with me if I say to call and get them(ins co.) to realize and pay full price for the damage, but don't fix my car? Would they do that for me? I'm thinking maybe not but what if I say you(body shop) can take half of the payment; now there's a incentive, and they won't be wasting their time. Anything ethically or morally wrong with this?
2006-06-23 04:09:53 · 8 answers · asked by roger_v_kint 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I need to add that the insurace comapny UNDERPAID for the damages. I cannot find anyplace at all that will fix it for the money the insurance co. paid.
All I want is to be fairly compensated for my damages.
At the same time I do not intend to fix car.
2006-06-23 04:23:26 · update #1
I'm an insurance agent and most insurance companies will not reimburse you the full amount until you get those repairs done. You can keep what you have already gotten and do with it whatever you want but you probably will not get anything else out of it unless you retain an attorney.
2006-06-23 04:15:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's the CORRECT answer. What you propose is called "insurance fraud", and any reputable body shop will say no instantly...it's illegal and could cost both you and them in both fines and jail time. So forget that idea entirely, unless jail is something you enjoy.
For starters, according to how the law works, if THEIR insurance company got an estimate for repairing the car, then they have to show proof of a legitimately recognized body repair shop that will do the work for the amount of that estimate. You seem to think it's "half" of what the real cost is. Are you counting what's ACTUALLY damaged, or are you adding in things that you yourself want fixed as well? For example, if their estimate includes repainting the fender, do you want them to pay for repainting the whole car too?
Here's the thing with body shops, and I've learned this through experience. You can take the same car with the same damage to 5 different places and get 5 totally different estimates depending on what you want replaced. Also, these guys see dollar signs whenever "insurance" is involved, so they are going to add in for things that COULD be fixed but don't really NEED it. They prey on your anger as the accident victim and hope they get the work.
The insurance company, on the other hand, is interested in settling the claim as cheaply as possible, so they will have some body people who they regularly contact to give estimates, but believe me, their estimate will be only for what's needed and not a cent more. These guys profit by doing volume (lots of work) for the insurance company. Your car will get fixed (or you'll get the equivalent amount), but just barely enough to do the job.
If the insurance company sends you a check, it is then your choice to fix the car or not; they can't make you fix it. But forget any grand scheme to milk any extra $ out of them; they've been doing this a long time and aren't stupid.
Good Luck.
2006-06-23 11:33:24 · answer #2 · answered by answerman63 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure if ethics has anything to do with this. The insurance company has determined that the repairs would cost a certain amount and that is what they are willing to pay. If you get the body shop to go along with this payment and walk away, the body shop has the car and the payment. They can fix the car and sell it for a profit. You would be the only one who incurs a loss and that is your choice.
2006-06-23 11:19:35 · answer #3 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called Fraud and is a Felony depending on the amount of money you are talking about. If you are asking if this is ethically or morally wrong, you already know the answer. The answer is yes. Be smart. Think before you act.
2006-06-23 11:15:31 · answer #4 · answered by Mila 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course there is nothing wrong with taking the money, it's your money. They broke your car and they must pay, it's up to you what you do with the money. I don't think a body shop will go for your idea, just get a lawyer to get the rest of your money.
2006-06-23 11:17:24 · answer #5 · answered by TPG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SOUNDS DECEPTIVE TO ME!!!
what does your religion suggest you do in this kind of situation. if you are a crook you'll act like one...who knows,...maybe you like meatloaf on thursdays and you want a cell with bubba cause he makes you feel loved. good luck with that!!!
2006-06-23 11:19:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do find a shop that would do that, it's dirty. I'm pretty sure it's "legally" wrong for you and them to do that.
2006-06-23 11:13:45 · answer #7 · answered by crxgirljax 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people like you are the reason auto insurance is so high.
2006-06-23 11:17:31 · answer #8 · answered by don 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋