Auto Insurance Claims: claim and deductible procedures, claim adjuster, insurance company

Question
I have my cousin that is not too good with handling situations. he got his car broken in to and stoled his thing they tried to steel the whole car but had no success and now it is damaged and unable to start. he went to his agent to try to make a claim and they said he have pay the deductible up front before they can accept a claim. Now for my knowledge isn't it supposed to be the claim first them a claim adjuster inspects the car then they decide what to do and if they do decide to pay for the repair or declare total loss? now why would they ask for a deductible if they don't know whats wrong with the car?

Answer
Hi Amos-

I have never heard of any such thing.  Usually the insurance company pays for the car to be fixed or will even give a check for the damages less the deductible.  The repair shop could ask for a check for the deductible I guess.  

Let me know if I can be of further help.  

Smaughan@farmersinsurnce.com