Accident Question

[944_science]

Friend spun out on the highway in a 04 Camry and went over a median and into an exit lane, no one was hurt thankfully. I don't have any experience dealing with insurance companies/shops and I know some of you guys have had to deal with this sort of stuff with your 944's.

The place that toed the car put it on a lift for the insurance adjuster who then came up with $5700 in damages. The adjuster left a voice mail with a quick rundown of the repairs: two front wheels, new front left quarter panel, new left door, bumper cover, "suspension" (not sure to what extent). So the shop sent a wok release form for her to sign simply saying the shop would repair the car per insurance company's request. My question is shouldn't there be a quote in writing as to what exactly the shop is going to repair, and is it normal to authorize full payment to the shop before any work is done?

[krystar]

well there doesn't need to be an actual quote to the customer since the customer isn't going to be paying.

if you don't want that shop to fix it, you can get a detailed quote with list of tasks. the insurance company is only going to give you $5700 check unless you go back and tell the adjuster that he missed some things.

[Grandad#3]

There can be unseen damage the adjuster failed to notice. Once the shop starts taking the car apart these failed parts start to show up and have to be replaced. Your friend should not sign a release form that states only repairs seen by the adjuster and written on his/her statement. Have your friend go back to the insurance co. and ask them about the unseen damage and to include unseen damage repairs. How old is the car? Most shops use After Market Parts as they are cheaper than OEM Parts and this lowers the value of the car. Your friend should tell the insur. adjuster that he/she wants only OEM Parts installed.

Cheers,
Larry

[porsche4life]

Depending on the company they may send their own adjuster. Otherwise I would ask for a detailed rundown and maybe even a quote from a second shop. Heck I got a quote from 4 shops on my 944 and the insurance had their own guy. Of course mine get pretty ugly over a small accident because their adjuster was a douche....

[Rasta Monsta]

Choose your own reputable repair shop, not the one your insurer towed it to. Get a detailed quote from them, and have them then deal with the insurance carrier.

[VII]

My car was just hit the other day when it was parked outside of my work. I noticed that the car in front of me had my paint all over their right side and my car had a lovely teal drivers fender and wheel. Anyway, the insurance company of the woman that hit me suggested I go to a shop they deal with because the shop is responsible for any issues I would have had with the repairs and answers to the insurance company. If I went to another shop then I would have to deal with them alone if there were any issues as the insurance company would not support my disatisfaction with their repair work. Essentially I was told that there is a satisfaction gurantee if I go with the insurance company suggested shops as opposed to one of my own choosing.

I ended up just taking a check with a detailed run down of what work would need to be done. Once I signed for the check the insurance company has no more obligation to me which means if other problems are found then I would have to cover them out of pocket. If I had taken the car to a shop and had the insurance company pay them directly then the insurance company would pay for any extra repairs. I spent $15 and repaired the work myself.

You have the right to demand that you know exactly what they will be doing to your car and I would sign nothing until you see that in front of you and there is a note that any extra work will also be covered. I hate having anyone else touch my car so I would rather take the money and do the work myself.