Auto Insurance Claims: Rear bumper damage, appraser, massive headache

Question
i was rear ended this friday and have damage to my rear bumper. it is about 2-3 ft crack. i quickly made a claim and was contacted the next morning and the appraser came to see the damage that same day. i have not taken it to get an estimate of repair costs and wont be able to till tuesday. the appraser said that i would most likely hear something by tuesday along with a check. when i spoke to the adjuster she asked me if i had missed work. which i did, one day, due to the fact that i think i got whiplash. my neck hurt and i had a massive headache, i was sore for about 2 days but am fine now so i saw no need to go to the doctor and will return to work tomorrow, i was off the weekend. anyway how much should i expect to recive? the appraser said that i would probably get a check for the damages tuesday, will that include loss of work? and if i am not satisfied with the amount they send or the amount is not enough to cover repair, can i contest the check they send? i mean everything happened so quickly! i thought that i would get an estimate then show that and show proof of the missed work and all that. i dont want to feel like after they send the check that the case is closed if it is not covering the repair and my wage loss.

Answer
Hi Priscilla,

Don't worry about anyone "closing the case". There is no such thing as a closed case unless you sign a release form.

The initial check you will receive will be for the repair only. You will need to go to the body shop that you want to do the repairs to get a better estimate. If the shops estimate is more than the insurance estimate then you need to have the shop to call your insurance adjuster for a supplement. This is important. The insurance comapny will not do a supplement if you call and say the estimates were different. You need to actually put your car in the shop for the repair and the shop and your insurance company will work it out.

As for your injury check, you will be entitled to your lost wages. In addition the adjuster will likely offer you a "cash out" of anywhere from $250.00 to $1000.00 in exchange for you signing a release form. Considering you did not seek medical attention and are not fine, that is likely the best it will be.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh