QuestionQUESTION: "Hello:
I was rear ended a couple of weeks ago and statefarm took 100% responsibility of the case. I got a call from claims department and they suggested me a repair shop. My repair estimate was ~ $1000. This shop sent the repair estimate to statefarm too. I was not satisfied with this autobody shop so I went to other ones who were authorized with statefarm. I got one who estimated $3000 for the same repair. I called statefarm to tell them my preference i.e. $3000 estimate autobody shop.
(a) I was wondering if I could ask for the check of $3000 issued on my name and if yes what should be the logical reason of asking for a check and not letting them pay the repair shop directly.
(b) The fact that they already have two repair estimates for my car and one is three times then another; would this mess up the probability of me making some money.
(c) Please advice me they way I should approach the insurance co."
ANSWER: First of all, it is illegal to profit from an insurance claim. They owe you exactly what you had prior to their insured running into you. As a third party claimant you can demand that State Farm makes a good faith effort to come to an agreement with the shop of your choice. As long as they can show why they need more by documenting the repair of the damage in their estimate. If their shop appraiser isn't willing to deal with the insurance appraiser, then you may want to rethink your choice of shops.
If you go to their Select Service shop, State Farm will "guarantee the repairs." These will be those shops that have agreed to standards and limits on charges in terms of price. These participating shops may use salvage parts for repairs or aftermarket (non-OEM) parts and generally are given quotas to fulfill every month. They require the shop to carry liability insurance for any substandard repairs and to indemnify State Farm as well.
Then of course, State Farm can appraise the damage to your car and offer you a check. Their settlement offer may be much lower than what a shop may charge.
And do not forget diminished value. Your car will never be worth what it once was. See diminished-value-claims.com for more information.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Could you help me out with my DV claim...
(a) What are the things needed for DV claim....
(b) Do I need to get my car inspected somewhere?? Is that before and after both or just post repair?
(c) Where could I find the documents / forms needed for the DV claim??
AnswerYou will need a post repair inspection once the repairs are completed. In that appraisal the appraiser needs to show the reasons for the loss of value and to render an opinion of how much the loss was. You should take some photos before the damage is repaired and offer them to an appraiser who does the work.
A good appraiser with a specialty in DV work will be able to provide you with everything you need to file the claim. There are also some firms that will file the claim on your behalf and take a fee contingent on the outcome.
You can go to www.diminished-value-claims.com for more information or try finding a local appraiser to you by going to www.ICAN2000.com
