QuestionI have a question about what adjusters are allowed and not allowed to do. I was in a accident where another driver backed into me from her parking space while I was driving through a parking lot. This resulted in a dents and broken items around the front left fender of my 2009 Infiniti Coupe.
Her insurance company's adjuster/inspector (I'm not sure of the correct title here) came to look at the damage. I had to leave him in my garage alone (I know I messed up here). He pulled the dents from my fender out and my my car looks less damaged than it was. I was really upset over this. First of all, there wasn't much damage to begin with. Second of all, I wasn't asked permission or notified first. And thirdly, I feel that it is just dishonest all around. I do have photos of the damage before and after he popped my dents but I don't plan on doing anything. I'm just more angry than anything else.
So I would like to know if this is a common practice among the industry.
Thanks for your time.
AnswerLisa,
No, I don't consider this type of behavior to be consistent with the professional conduct of an insurance claims person, nor would I consider it common.
Having owned a hi-quality collision repair center, I have had insurance claims people attempt to reduce damages which in some cases actually caused more damage as a result. I have also found them doing so to aid in their evaluation of the required repair process in determining the time required to repair or if replacement of the damaged part may be necessary.
Regardless of their reasoning, they should not have tampered with your vehicle without your specific authorization and consent!
Most states have laws which clearly state that repair cannot be performed without the consent and authorization of the vehicle owner. I would suggest contacting the claims-person’s boss’s boss to inform them of what took place and your displeasure.
My advice is to find a repairer who works for you to review the insurer’s estimate and to request additional labor and processes and materials should they be necessary for a proper and thorough repair.
You also may wish to look into making a claim for Diminished Value (DV) as well since your vehicle now has a history of damages and will no doubt lose value of which is recoverable in addition to a proper and thorough repair.
To learn more on DV feel free to contact us or visit our website at; www.AutoDamageExpertts.com.
