QuestionMy automobile was damaged after hitting a pothole. Allstate sent an adjuster to the Maserati dealership, reviewed the repair estimate and authorized the dealership to repair the car.
The car was returned to me with two replaced rims that did not match the OEM rims on the other side of the car claiming they could not find matching rims through Maserati. Allstate claimed that they could not acquire the factory issued wheel rims and returned the car to me with the two original rims on one side of the car and two different style OEM rims on the other side of the car.
Great! Now I have a car with a "wheel" split personality. I told Allstate that since they could not source matching rims I would be willing to accept the car with four matching OEM rims even though the destroyed rims were a premium upgrade. Allstate refused all requests to "make me whole to the auto's condition" at the time of the accident.
I ultimately paid the dealership approximately $2,600.00 for two additional rims to match the replaced rims. Was I treated fairly? The auto with two sets of wheel rims looked odd to everyone (except Allstate)and the mismatched wheels reduced the value of the vehicle.
To me, Allstate did not fairly cover my loss.
Your opinion is appreciated.
AnswerArnold,
You were not treated fairly. You are entitled to have the car returned to you in a condition that is nearly identical to the condition before the crash. Replacing your damaged rims with non-matching rims is ridiculous.
This isn't really insurance advise but you might be able to sell the non-matching OEM rims to defray some of the cost.
You could always write a letter to the state insurance board but first provide it to your insurance company as a negotiation tactic... that might motivate them to make you whole.
Best regards,
Ernest Ferraro
