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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Adjustments & Appraisal Of Property & Casualty Claims

SHOULD I USE MY OWN COLLISION COVERAGE ?  To avoid having to pay a deductible, try to collect from the other driver's Insurance Company first.  Using the other person's coverage will entitle you to a rental car for the duration of the repair and no accident will be charged against your policy.  NOTE:   Once your vehicle is declared a Total Loss (the repairs exceed the value), you are not entitled to a rental.  MORE THEN ONE ESTIMATE ?  No!  Unless your policy (which you signed) states otherwise, you, as the owner may obtain as many as you wish, should this be your desire.  DRIVE-IN CLAIM SERVICE ?  No!  Unless your policy states otherwise, it should suffice for you to contact the Insurance Company Claim Office advising them of the location of your vehicle, for their representative to establish an appointment with you to examine the damage and obtain an agreed price with the shop of your choice.  SHOULD I GO TO A REQUIRED REPAIR SHOP ?  No!  You cannot be required to go to a certain repair facility unless your policy states otherwise.  You may and should always provide the Adjuster/Appraiser the name of your chosen shop.  NOTE: BE CAREFUL!  All shops/contractors are not created equally . . .  You, as a consumer and the owner of your property are the one that has to live with the results of their efforts/repairs.  So, if you are not comfortable with the shop (no matter who chose them), the people, the attitudes, etc., there are thousands of shops and contractors out there to choose from.  The shop not your insurance company is responsible for the repair and subsequent Guarantee.  If the repairs are not completed properly, some Insurance Companies will help you, but most will not.  WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE APPOINTMENT TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE ?  As the owner, only you have the legal right and responsibility to make the appointment and/or arrange for the repair of your automobile . . .  NOT THE INSURANCE CO.!  VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE, OR SAFE TO DRIVE.  WHAT SHOULD I DO ?  Select a reputable repair facility (Body Shop/Dealer), of your choice.  Take your automobile to them or if not drivable, request your shop to have it towed to their facility.  Then contact the Insurance Company's representative advising him/her of the vehicle's location.  BEST PROCEDURE FOR ME TO GET QUALITY REPAIRS IN A TIMELY MANNER ?  If your vehicle is not driveable, take your vehicle to the shop of your choice.  Leave it with the manager, authorizing them to contact the Insurance Company to advise them as to their damage estimate.  Then you also contact the Insurance Company Representative with your vehicle's location.  If your vehicle is driveable, and you have not been provided a rental, make an appointment with the repair facility, dropping it off on the appointed day and time.  If you are entitled to a rental the shop should have made arrangements for a replacement vehicle to be there on your arrival.  WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY, WORKMANSHIP, AND GUARANTEE ?  The repair shop is fully responsible for their repair and subsequent guarantee.  That Guarantee should be in writing and be for a minimum of one (1) year.  You should examine your vehicle closely prior to removing it from their facility.  Pay particular attention to alignment of parts and paint match.  Plus, if a door panel or welded on part was replaced look inside that door and panel, making sure it was installed properly and there are no sharp edges.  Also, look for rust proofing, and if possible have the manager take a ride with you to detect if there are any hidden problems.  NOTE:  The Insurance Company only owes for what was there prior to your claim.  Rust Proofing may not be a covered item . . .  but, a proper repair occasionally (particularly on a unitized body), may require some type of corrosion protection.  THE ADJUSTER AND I DO NOT AGREE, WHAT CAN I DO ?  If it is your Insurance Company and you feel the Insurance Adjuster is being unreasonable.  Request to speak with his/her Supervisor, attempting a settlement with them.  If you are still unable to arrive at a settlement.  Most policies provide you "THE RIGHT OF AN APPRAISAL."        CONTACT AN APPRAISER That means you can pick a reputable Appraisal Company (NOT A BODY SHOP OR CAR SALESPERSON), having them appraise the damage, contacting your Adjuster with their findings, attempting a settlement in your behalf, as your representative.  If you are a claimant, of another person's insurance coverage you may want to turn the claim over to your own carrier allowing them to work it out with the other Company.  WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT AN ATTORNEY ?    Contact An Attorney Most attorneys are not interested in property damage, so only consult with an attorney after making all attempts to settle the matter though the options described in your policy or after your Company representitive has failed.

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