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Question
My car was damaged and my insurance company refused to pay as per and estimate and said they would settle with the repair company or would send out their own adjuster and pay as per his estimate. The estimate I got to fix the car is $500 more than the insurance company's estimate. Do I have the option to have them pay me directly based on the actual estimate I got.
Thanks for your assistance,
Dorothy
In short, the answer is no. This is very common. My advice is to just go with the insurance estimate.
All insurance companies have adjusters who inspect damage and write estimates. They do this to make sure the repair shops are honest. Most body shops will charge you as a customer more than they will an insurance company for the exact same work. They do this because they (1) know they can get away with it and (2) they give volume discounts to insurers.
There are literally hundreds of tricks a repair shop can play to inflate a bill.
If you go through the insurance estimate, the shop will be required to return your vehicle to pre-loss condition for a fair price. if you are not 100% satisfied with the repairs, complain to both the shop and the insurance company and they will work it out.
Another reason why the estimate might be lower than actual cost is "supplements." The adjuster writes for what he sees. It is possible there is hidden damage. The shop may have seen it or they might just be guessing and include it. If the shop finds more damage than is shown on the estimate, they will call the insurance adjuster and ask for a supplement. Any honest insurance company will cover it when shown the damage.
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Answers by Expert:
Claims Guy
Expertise
I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.
Experience
I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.
Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators
Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.
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