Auto Insurance Claims: third party insurance claim, third party insurance, auto estimate

Question
My car was rear ended, I have written estimates from auto shops that I have chosen. Their insurance company want say the estimates are to high.  Do I have to accept whatever offer they think is fair? Since this was not my fault I think I really should have more say in this matter? Can they dispute a written auto estimate?

Answer
Hi Steve,

Of course that have a right to dispute your estimates, they are the ones writing the check. However, you do not have to accept their estimate either.

The corrct process is for you to take your vehicle to the body shop of your choice. Put the vehicle in the shop for repairs. Give the shop a copy of the insurance companies repair estimate. Then the shop will call the insurance estimator, have them come to the shop for a reinspection and they will look at all of the damage and negotiate the price. If there is additional damage the insurance company estimator will document and photograph the additional damage and will issue an additional check unually directly to the shop.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh