I got rearended a little bit ago and called the insurance company of the guy that hit me. I was told to get an estimate for my car and call the insurace company back and let them know who was going to be doing it and they would just give me a check for what the estimate was. Well I got the estimate and called back. I talked to a different person this time and he said he would pay directly to the body shop instead of giving me the check. Well I plan to pocket the money and not get the car fixed. He asked me on the phone whether I wanted to really get the car fixed, or if I wanted to pocket the money. I wasn't sure if this was a trick or not, so I told him I wanted the car fixed. Can I tell them that I want to pocket the money and not get it fixed? Or what should I do? Thanks.
2007-10-29 11:14:08 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
***EDIT***
Also, should I tell the body shop that I really want to pocket the money or not? The body shop is actually going out of business at the end of the week. I didnt know if body shops like to help people out letting them really pocket the cash.
2007-10-29 11:18:09 · update #1
It depends on if you own the car or if you are making payments on it. If you own it you can pocket the money, it isn't best to tell them that but you can get a check cut to you. However if you are making payments, you cannot pocket the money because it is technically not your car yet, it is the loan holders car, there for if a check it cut it will be cut to the loan holder and you however you have to get the loan holder to let you just cash the check. Also with insurance if you get a check cut and do not get your car fixed they cannot cover any other rear end damage. They will only cover it if it gets fixed and you show your insurance company it is fixed. There fore if you pocket the money and get into a rather bad accident from the rear end you may not be covered.
2007-10-29 11:26:16 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your other question stated it was State Farm that you spoke with -- and I know for a fact they will not pay you with one estimate from a collision repair shop. I also know for a fact they only direct-pay a repairer if they are signed-up with their direct repair program. Don't lie, and don't be an idiot. If you just want the money then TELL them so -- they don't care one wit. It's YOUR car, it's YOUR money. The more twists and turns you make for the adjuster the more difficult this will be.
Oh, and one more thought -- if you even MENTION the word lawyer you will be in a whole new ball game so I advise that you just level with them and let their staff estimator inspect the car and then they will cut you a check.
2007-10-29 21:37:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you own the car outright (no loan on the car) you tell them to pay you direct. What they're trying to do is see if they can work a deal with the body shop to do it for less and save the company money (or pocket the difference).
2007-10-29 18:29:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's your car. You can keep the money.
Call the insurance adjuster and tell them to write you a check.
Call them back and tell them you want the money and explain you will decided what to do with the money as you please.
If they you grief, explain you will report them to the state insurance commission.
2007-10-29 18:19:45 · answer #4 · answered by ahedou2 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yeah I was going to say that you should ask to be compensated, and that you will do as you wish with the money.
2007-10-29 18:24:56 · answer #5 · answered by Chunky 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
its your money, you can do with it as you please. call the adjuster back and tell him you want it sent to YOU not the shop.
2007-10-29 18:59:48 · answer #6 · answered by Queen B 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋