Advice needed for dealing with an insurance adjuster. Can you help?

Question

I was in a fender-bender yesterday. The guy hit me from behind, and after the police officer came and checked our records, it seems the guy who hit me has quite a history of "bumping into people".

My car is a used car, but Kelly Blue Book gives it's retail value at $3500. The only damage my car seems to have suffered is a scuffed and cracked rear bumper. When this guy's insurance guy comes to look at my car, I'm sure it will be in his best interest to come out as cheaply as possible on his company's end. Since this is the first time I've ever been in this situation, I have no idea what to expect.

Any tips or suggestions for dealing with the insurance company? I certainly don't want to get screwed, but I want to be honest as well. People who scream lawsuit and whiplash in hopes of seeing dollar signs don't interest me in the least. All I want is a fair deal here.

And maybe a new bumper.

Answer 1

A lot depends on the insurance company. Five star companies like State Farm, USAA, etc. have nothing to gain by shorting you on your claim. It is always in their best interest to pay what it will take to restore your vehicle to as near to pre-loss condition as possible with little or no hassle. My best advice is just keep an open mind and, above all, don't get combative with the claims adjuster. This will get you NOWHERE in a big hurry. Used parts are perfectly acceptable if they are like kind and quality; aftermarket parts, while having a very poor reputation, can be an excellent alternative to new parts if the quality is good. If the appraiser doesn't see all the damage first time out then don't panic. They will make a return trip to the repair shop if additional damages are found. Like I said before -- a lot depends on the company you are dealing with. Even in this day and age there are some low-life adjusters and companies with miserable claims practices still operating though they are few and far between. If all else fails, use your own company and let them recover your deductible and other costs from the other insurer.

Answer 2

Your best bet is to be checked by a Dr. because whiplash and muscles spasms can hit you a week or 10 days later.My Father has ran a auto body shop for 38 years, I have seen many Adjusters at work ,most all Insurance co.s use independent adjusters but the adjusters are still there to save the insurance $ but you still have rights ,You can use your own shop but the adjuster-insurance co. will pay the lowest amount of the estimates it tells you to get or the adjuster will look it over and give you an amount, they have the upper hand unless your hurt than you do.Another thing to watch is them figuring used or cheap brand parts , ask for your cars brand ,tell them you want the car to be restored to the way it was before the accident and you want the paint to match.Good Luck , Hope this helps

Answer 3

For the damage that you said, they will compensate you properly. They will not give you the car value at all. They only give the car value for totalled cars and only if the damage exceeds the value of the car. It would be in your best interest to get a quote yourself, just to see what it will costs.

The insurance will send an inspector to see your car in the next few days and that inspector will prepare a report and will state how much it will costs.

Answer 4

Let me first say that I hope you were not hurt. I have been hit three times from the back. EACH time, it took a few days, but it took a toll on me physically....it does not take a huge accident to cause pain. By the third hit, I went to my doctor's THAT day,to have it documented.
I NEVER had an adjuster of the the person at fault come see me in person!!!!! I always got their info,called my insurance company and followed instructions. I would be interested inknowing why his agent is visiting you. I would have MY agent present!!
I am REALLY puzzled and leery of this visit!! Do NOT act hastily. Is it possible this guy is in big trouble and his agent is trying to get this over with as soon as possible??? I'm sorry to be so suspicious, but this seems unusual. It is in this guys best interest to settle quickly,as far as I can see.
In my mind,you need to:
See a doctor and or keep a close watch on any aches and pains!
Call YOUR agent
And again.....if HIS guy is coming to see you, have YOUR guy by your side. It'll be a bit like Matt Dillon covering your "six." (Your back)
P.S. You should be getting a check from his company for pain and suffering......ACCEPT it....but ONLY after you really learn if you were hurt. Listen I had a cervical disc operation many years ago...my neck is a vulnerable area. Mine has been a tiny bit tender since my last fender bender...I WISH I had waited a little longer to settle with the guy's company...then I would have gotten some Phys. Therapy at HIS expense. I remember telling one of the companies..."I'm not trying to retire at your client's expense, but I am not going to pay for damages that he caused to my body.
Again......make sure YOU are represented!!! Good luck,friend.

Answer 5

I wouldn't sweat it. I've been hit a few times, and the insurance companies usually take pretty good care of the people that their policy holders have had at-fault accidents with. They will give you a repair quote, you simply take it to your repair shop of choice, and it's done. If what they offer you is not enough to pay for the repairs, point that out to them and demand a higher settlement.

It appears as though nothing in that industry is set too firmly in stone as different people often get different results depending on how they're able to negotiate.

Answer 6

Cowboy Bill gave a great answer. Give him serious consideration for the 10 points.

As another long time adjuster I appreciate hearing that you aren't interested in making a fraudulent injury claim.