Auto Insurance Claims: slip, side way, and hit from behind during icy snow, evening hour, two doors

Question
Hi, Smith
How are you?  Yesterday, I drove in the snow (icy snow) during early evening hour (6:30).  My car slipped, hit the curb, and turned side-way.  A SUV behind me hit my car on the passenger side right between two doors.  Nobody got injured, but the doors were jammed.  Should I find a claim against the other driver's insurance company or a claim with my own?
thanks!!
-Ming

Answer
Ming,

I am fine, thank you for asking and thank you for your question.

As for the loss and liability, it may be argued that it was an “Act of God” or denial of liability for other reasons. To get your vehicle repaired quickly and properly it may be best to go through your own insurer.

When it comes to getting the best possible repair you are better going through your own insurer as you have a contract with them which requires them to provide the funds necessary to repair your vehicle to its 'pre-loss condition'. The other party’s insurer has no such contract with you and can and often do play games with claimants.

The disadvantage is you will need to incur your deductible and may not have rental under your policy. You may, if the other party accepts liability, get them to pay you your deductible and provide you a rental…but then again they may not again depending upon liability.

Be sure to find a body shop who works for you and not the insurer. Good repairers who see you as their true customer are getting harder to find so interview several, get recommendations from others and get their estimate in writing.

Thank you again for your question. Good luck!

Barrett