Auto Insurance Claims: Auto body shop/ collision claim, auto body shop, cosmetic damages

Question
QUESTION: Hi I got in to a car accident 3 days ago (my fault) and the car was towed to a body shop. I have Farmers insurance and the shop is part of their circle of dependability shops. I will be getting an estimate tomorrow from the shop after they inspect (teardown) for the damage.  If the shop thinks it will be a total loss, do they tell the insurance that? I gave them my claim number. Or can I just tell the shop that I will pay for it out of pocket and I will tell the insurance not to bother with my collision coverage? I still have loans on the car and don't want it totaled. Also can I ask the body shop to repair for only the most complex damages and I'll repair the cosmetic damages later on? The car still runs but there is major front damage and an airbag deployed.

ANSWER: Hi Jasmine,

The body shop has a contract with your insurance company so they will follow the guidelines of your insurance company. The vehicle will typically be totalled if the repair cost is 75% or more of the retail value of the vehicle. If the shop finds while writing the repair estimate that the repair cost hits their pre-determined threshold for totaling the vehicle, it will be totaled and the insurance company will be notified. Perhaps, if you contact the shop in advance to tell them you do not want the vehicle totaled, they may work with you. but you need to do that before they write their estimate.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi I have a follow up question regarding my accident. I got a letter from my insurance company stating that the other party has gotten a lawyer because the damages exceed $1000 and he has claimed bodily injury. How does this all work? I'm really confused. For one, his car was barely damaged, just the bumper. And he seemed to be ok. Why would he need a lawyer to file the claim on my insurance? We have accepted fault and the insurance will pay for the damages. How does this affect me? Will my insurance handle it? Or would I have to talk to his lawyer and do some other paperwork? (summons, etc) I'm scared about all this. Thank you for answering my previous question. It was very helpful.

Answer
HI Jasmine,

You need to be asking these questions to your insurance company. The insurance company will handle everything. They just need ot keep you informed. If at anytime you have a question or don't understand something, call them and ask.

This is likely just an ambulance chaser trying to get a quick settlement for a minor neck strain. Your insurance company will investigate and settle the claim as they feel is needed.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh