Auto Insurance Claims: giving me the run around, preferred repair shops, giving me a hard time

Question
Got hit in Ga. Clearly was not my fault-the other guy received the ticket for failure to yield.  Called his insurance, Farm Bureau, only pay for $30 a day rental and pay the lower of 2 estimates.  I drive an Expedition, insurance is wanting to put me in a go cart.  Now they are giving me a hard time about what they will and won't pay for.  Do I have a leg to stand on?

Answer
Hi Sharon,
It would probably be best to handle this loss through your own company.
This would mean temporarly paying your deductible until your company recovers from the adverse carrier, at which time it would be reimbursed.
In most cases, when you use your own company and one of their 'preferred' repair shops, not only is your repairs properly done but it is guaranteed for as long as you own the car.
In most cases, when you accept a settlement based on an estimate, you are also required to sign a 'release of all claims' which means that you have no recourse against them if the repair shop finds more damage or the repairs simply cost more than the estimate.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area11-10-07 4:24 AM PST