Auto Insurance Claims: Victim claim problems, auto body repair, claim adjusters

Question
I my vehicle was hit in the side by a State Farm insured vehicle on private property. The driver claimed responsibility and gave me her insurance information. I called the insurance company and jumped through all the hoops they requested; File a claim, got an "secured" email account, then promptly took my vehicle to the local auto body repair shop for an estimate, then sent SF the repair shop's address. The first estimate was a little over $2000, but after 6 day silent treatment, they lowered the estimate to $1000. After acquiring a copy of the 'unauthorized' second estimate, I see that the repair shop lowered the labor cost, and opted to repair the damage in lieu of repacing it. I have no problems with that, I do have problems regarding HOW the repair is to be made.  All I asked for, is that the vehicle be repaired to the exact condition it was proir to the accident - NOT filled with 2 pounds of bondo and haphazzardly painted.  So what to do?  Are these claim adjusters inclined to negotiate, or am I forced to 'take it or leave it'?

Answer
Hello,

By know means are your requirements of having the vehicle in pre-accident condition, no better, and of course no less.

The first thing I wonder is, was the vehicle at a direct repair facility? This is where they give you a list of body shops that they will guaranty the work.

If not, this is not something you can blame on SF and trust me, I like to blame them for everything LOL


This sounds like you went to any shop for the repairs not knowing their work product.

No, you do not have to take the car. Did you authorize them too repair instead of replace?

If you didn't the shop is ripping you off!Speak with the owner nicely at first with your complaint. If State Farm figured for replacement and he repaired, you can complain to State Farm too because they were paying for replacement.

Rob