Low car insurance adjustment from liable company's adjuster?

Question

Someone else hit my car while it was parked. It was very cut-and-dry. I got a police report, the officer talked to the driver. It states that my car was legally parked and the other driver is at fault. The damage is minor rear bumper damage, nothing too terrible. I filed with his insurance company, and after a lot of frustrating phone tag, an insurance adjuster came out and wrote me an estimate for $450. I had an adjustment for $734 from the local body shop for my make of car, and I showed it to him. I expressed my dissatisfaction with this estimate, and he said the body shop would settle with the insurance company directly for costs in excess of the estimate. $300 is a little much. Since it's minor damage, I think the body shop will probably take the money and do a shoddy job on the car. It's my understanding they are supposed to repair my car to pre-accident conditions. I got another estimate for $745 this weekend. I can't get it fixed for $450. What are my options? (cont'd)

There is one issue--previous damage on the bumper that I was not responsible for. I'm not asking them to repair that damage, but the adjuster took lots of pictures of it and probably used it as leverage in his adjustment. The paint is flaking at the new spot of damage, there is a clear difference between the two.
Also, I signed nothing when he came out and I haven't done anything with the check. The letter with the check states, "You will be responsible for any charges that exceed our estimate," so it looks like I'm going to have to pay $300 to get my car fixed and I'm not happy about it. The guy lied to me, probably thinking I'm stupid enough to just go cash the check.

Obviously, this is extremely minor as far as car insurance claims go. I talked to the driver and he said he would make sure my car got fixed.. etc etc. Talking to him might be a last resort. I have nothing in writing from him.

Answer 1

These are the worse type of claims to settle to everyone's satisfaction, ever! I work in the industry and look at this type of damage numerous times a week. Everyone has old damage on their bumpers, that's what bumpers are for for heavens sake.

So here it is, you are entitled to be put back to the position you were in prior to this accident happening. If you had old damage on your bumper that is not this person's responsibility and all you will get is a paint allowance. You didn't mention how old your car is, that factors into things as well. Paint depreciates just like your car does, it oxidizes and loses luster. Would you be happier with the insurance company repairing that one spot on the bumper and you ending up with mismatched paint? I don't think so.

Finally, if you are getting quotes in excess of $700 for minor bumper damage only then you are getting hosed unless you are driving a luxury vehicle. You could get a used bumper, have it painted and replaced on your vehicle for less than these quotes. Don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about because I do. The offer is fair, take it and get your bumper repaired.

Answer 2

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RE Low car insurance adjustment from liable company's adjuster?

Someone else hit my car while it was parked. It was very cut-and-dry. I got a police report, the officer talked to the driver. It states that my car was legally parked and the other driver is at fault. The damage is minor rear bumper damage, nothing too terrible. I filed with his insurance company, and after a lot of frustrating phone tag, an insurance adjuster came out and wrote me an estimate for $450. I had an adjustment for $734 from the local body shop for my make of car, and I showed it to him. I expressed my dissatisfaction with this estimate, and he said the body shop would settle with the insurance company directly for costs in excess of the estimate. $300 is a little much. Since it's minor damage, I think the body shop will probably take the money and do a shoddy job on the car. It's my understanding they are supposed to repair my car to pre-accident conditions. I got another estimate for $745 this weekend. I can't get it fixed for $450. What are my options? (cont'd)

Answer 3

Oh lord.. the insurance adjuster AND the body shop both said they will work out the difference- what more do you want?

Body shops alot of the time will charge an individual higher labor rates then an insurance company. They are not going to give you worse work b/c you are going through insurance. Also, sometimes when you go through a body shop as an individual they will replace parts that only need repair in order to increase their profit- insurance will repair a part if it can be safely.

You are nit picking a situation where it looks like everyone is trying to help you. Why dont you just let them repair your car and see if your happy with it before you get your panties in a wad?

Answer 4

If you have Collision insurance file with your own company and let them argue with the other driver's insurance company. If you don't, just check around for other shops who may do the repair for the amount the company paid. You are not obligated to accept the payment from the other driver's company; you may have an attorney look into it (but since there's so little damage, you may be hard-pressed finding an attorney willing to handle the case). Remember there are "gypsies" who may also fix the car for much less than the payment (they are non-licensed, itinerant repairmen who deal in slightly shady procedures, so don't ask if you're not prepared to lie to the police!)

Answer 5

As la has urged, take the estimate to the vehicle physique. they're going to check the estimate and touch the appraiser. Your estimates could be inclusive of OEM areas vs. aftermarket areas. In some states you may dispute using those. whether, the coverage organisation can nevertheless take depreciation using fact the areas that have been broken on your motor vehicle weren't new the two. they'd evaluate Like variety high quality(LKQ) used areas. popularity of the verify does no longer recommend which you have waived your rights to extra fee. in case you have collision insurance, pass by way of your guy or woman coverage. There ought to be a clause that explains a thank you to pass approximately resolving disputes over value determinations. it fairly is fairly plenty a mediation technique.

Answer 6

What the insurance adjuster told you is correct. They owe to return your vehicle to preloss condition....they do not owe a body shop $300 in additional labor rates. Take the car and the estimate for $450 you got to a shop & let the shop deal with the insurance....the insurance companies financial obligation is to you, NOT the body shop.

Answer 7

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