Auto Insurance Claims: Full or partial settlement after diminished value offer, new car dealer, value dollar

Question
We were in an accident in a six-month-old 2009 model SUV that was not
our fault. Other driver's insurance promptly paid apx. $7,300 for car rental
and repairs at a facility they (and our new-car dealer) endorsed. We sought
and were offered a satisfactory diminished value dollar amount as well.
However, the other driver's insurer wants us to accept a full settlement as
part of the DV offer. We believe that, even though it appears the vehicle is
well-repaired, we should keep our options open if it turns out there is yet
undiscovered, unrepaired damage as a result of the accident. Is this
reasonable? Is the other insurer likely to go along?

Answer
Hi Phil,

I have to assume that you mean the insurer is asking you to sign a release form in exchange for the check. If this is the case, you should not do so until the repairs are completed, you have picked up the vehicle from the body shop and have driven it for several days under a variety of conditions. You may also what to take the vehicle to another body shop for a post-repair inspection providing them with a copy of the final detailed repair estimate. That way you can be assured that all that was on the estimate was actually completed and that it was completed correctly. If you drive the vehicle under all of your normal conditions for a few days and inspect it carefully yourself and do not have any issues then it is likely there will not be any. But once you sign a release form, you can not go back to the insurance company or the at-fault party no matter what is found later.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh