[APachon71RN]

Great information.

~Andy

Originally Posted by karguy

A couple of quick points......

1. When you are hit by someone else, the LAW determines your loss, NOT the at fault driver's insurance contract, OR insurance company. The law says they must "make you whole" or put you in the exact same position you were in before the wreck.
2. You are entitled by law to "loss of use". This is NOT "rental car" coverage so don't let them lie to you and tell you you don't have rental coverage or the at fault driver's coverage doesn't pay it. Loss of use is the value of a SIMILAR car for the period yours is inoperable. Telling them you are demanding loss of use is one way to speed the process along.
3. You are also entitled to "Diminished Value" which is the loss in value AFTER it is fixed. Let them know that up front too as it will help keep them from cutting the estimate so cheap they screw up your car. The insurance co will report your car's wreck to Carfax. The buyer will get a carfax. Your car is now worth about 20% less even if the repairs are great and a lot less if the repairs THEY said to do are bad.
3. If their appraiser prepares the estimate THEY are responsible for the repairs! They are the ones that told the shop what to do and what not to do,
4. You can always turn in the claim with your own carrier.

There is a ton more, but these are some basics.