Auto Insurance Claims: now they say the car is totaled, ford focus hatchback, auto place

Question
My daughter's 2002 Z3 Ford Focus Hatchback was caught in the floods in Santa Barbara about 3 weeks ago.  Allstate recommended a auto place and the car was towed.  She called them almost daily for updates on her car to no avail.  They kept saying the next day etc.    This Friday, 2/15 they now say the car is totaled. The insurance company is sending an adjuster to see the car and determine its fate. What recourse does she have?? She feels that time was wasted and her car wasn't serviced correctly right away causing more damage. Thanks

Answer
Hi Ellen-

I was suprised to learn recently how little time repair shops spend on each car on a daily basis.  Some shops have several cars in the shop at once and only spend an hour or two on each car every day.  Insurance companies usually try to minimize this for the companies they refer you to.
I would recommend you find out who is in charge of that department that works with referring and supervising the body shops that they refer to and talk to them about the issues and see if they may be able to offer some help on your behalf.  
My experience with trying to complain to an adjuster is usually a waste of time because they seem to be stubborn by nature because their job requires it.

Good luck

Sheldon Maughan
Sacramento, Ca