Auto Insurance Claims: About the car damage appraisal procedure

Question
Hi! My car was hit by the other car from behind. I filed a claim with the other car insurance. I will have the car damage estimated and leave the car in the dealer’s body shop.  Does the insurance still need to have the car damage appraised by their own appraiser or I just need to provide the insurance with the repair estimate? If the insurance still needs to have the car damage appraised by themselves and their estimate are lower than the body shop’s estimate, what will the insurance do? Thank you for your answer.

Answer
Ray,

Thank you for the question...I apologize for the delay but I was out of town and "out of touch".

Your ask: "Does the insurance still need to have the car damage appraised by their own appraiser?"

While I am not familiar with what state you are in or its laws in this regard, generally the answer would be NO...you are under no contractual obligations to the other party's insurer and your claim is directly against the wrong-doer or the vehicle owner and the wrong-doer/owner is relying upon their insurer to resolve your damages.

As such it is likely you may seek corrective repairs and merely submit the billing to the at-fault party for payment. Of course they and/or their insurer has a right and duty to verify the repair costs are legitimate (fair and reasonable)and the repairs are for damages incurred as a direct result of the covered loss.

Re; your other question: "If the insurance still needs to have the car damage appraised by themselves and their estimate are lower than the body shop’s estimate, what will the insurance do?"

There is little they can do other than investigate and make a determination as to the legitimacy (reasonableness of the cost and necessity) of the repair and their related costs.

I would not allow the insurer to short-pay the claim unless good reason exist...any short-pay on behalf of the insurer should be sought from the at fault party directly as it is they, not the insurer who owes for your damages.

Please understand that I am not longer and attorney or a licensed claims adjuster and as such the information I provide is not to be construed as legal advice...just my expert opinion based upon my training and experience,

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Thanks again for your question!