Auto Insurance Claims: Comp. Claim - Get appraisal or get it fixed?, initial estimate, company money

Question
I have a comprehensive claim. The insurance company is giving me two options.

1. Get the car repaired at one of their recommended repair shops
2. They send out an appraiser and write a check to me.

The question I have is if the insurance company is try to get away cheap by having one of they recommended shops do it?

Jeffrey

Answer
Hi Jeffrey,

Insurance companies recommend shops that they have a contract with that is designed to save the insurance company money.

You have the right to have the vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. You should let the insurance company send out an appraiser who will write an initial estimate. If they issue you a check on the spot for that amount this is ok but do not sign any kind of release form. Then take your car to the shop of your choice and give them the insurance company's estimate. If the shop then finds additional damage of fee they need more money for any reason, the shop will contact the insurance company for a supplement and will negotiate the balance that may be needed.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh