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Auto Insurance Claims/boaderline repair / total what are my rights after the initial decion has been made
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Question
I have recently had an at fault accident, the adjustor and the garage came to a similar ballpark figure which was just a little over what the adjuster had initially said it's cut-off point would be(based on him undervaluing the cash value of the vehicle, and overvaluing the scrap value) But he, the garage and the the adjustors supervisior give the repair the go-ahead.
My question is, as they have already said that they will fix the vehicle, if when stripped down more work is needed that they didnt see beforehand, can the adjustor change his mind and write-off the vehicle, or is he commited to his desision?? (i ask because he mentioned a few times about the possibility of extra work being found on it and was vague about any explanation)I am in CO.
I desperatly dont want the vehicle written off, and this uncertainty is making me ill - your help is much appreciated. Many thanks!!!
The insurer has the obligation to either repair the vehicle or pay its actual cash value and retain the salvage, which ever is less. It states this in every insurance policy and it is that maximum payout of the actual cash value that your premiums are based on.
This can happen at just about any time during the repair process. We handle supplemental claims that end up totaling vehicles all the time.
People often get upset that an insurer will not pay out more than the policy covers to save a car. However I've never seen anyone offer to pay extra premium dollars.
If it ends up being a total loss, you will be paid the value of the vehicle. You should then be able to purchase a similar vehicle with that money. Hopefully there are not personal financial issues at hand but if so, that has nothing to do with your insurance company's obligation.
Good luck!
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Answers by Expert:
webfoot
Expertise
Auto damage, liability, insurance fraud. I am a full time auto insurance adjuster with experience in collision, theft, liability and fraud investigation. I am also an ASE Master Auto Tech and I-Car Collision Platinum certified. My experience includes 15 years in the auto repair industry, a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Law enforcement and auto insurance. ****** NO "PRIVATE" QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED. I HAVE FOUND THAT NEARLY ALL PRIVATE QUESTIONS COME FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE CONSIDERING OR ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT FELONY INSURANCE FRAUD AND I'M NOT HERE TO HELP YOU! ****** I AM HERE TO ANSWER AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, CLAIMS PROCESS AND SOME SIMPLE LIABILITY QUESTIONS. I CANNOT ADDRESS COMPLEX LIABILITY SCENARIOS WITHOUT HAVING ALL OF THE INFO FROM BOTH SIDES IN FRONT OF ME. QUESTIONS ABOUT PREMIUMS OR HOW INSURANCE IS RATED SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO YOUR PERSONAL INSURANCE AGENT WHO KNOWS A WHOLE LOT MORE ABOUT YOUR HISTORY THAN I DO. I'VE NEVER SOLD INSURANCE AND DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE RATES WILL GO UP IF YOU MAKE A CLAIM. THOUGH I'VE HANDLED SOME VERY MINOR SOFT TISSUE INJURY SETTLEMENTS, I PREFER NOT TO ANSWER INJURY RELATED QUESTIONS. I'M NO INJURY EXPERT AND I'LL LIKELY SAY SOMETHING TO HURT SOMEONE'S FEELINGS AS I BELIEVE THAT MANY SOFT TISSUE PAIN AND SUFFERING CLAIMS ARE OVER DRAMATIZED. UNLIKE MANY OTHERS, I AM ON THIS FORUM AS A VOLUNTEER WITH NO PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO SELL AND PROMISE AN UPFRONT ANSWER BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE INDUSTRY. IF YOU PROVIDE ME WITH A HONEST VERSION OF EVENTS, I PROMISE A CANDID AND HONEST ANSWER IN RETURN. I CANNOT ADDRESS ALL CLAIM SCENERIOS DUE TO DIFFERING STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS, BUT WILL DO MY BEST. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT AN HONEST ANSWER MAY BE ONE THAT YOU DON'T LIKE SO IF THAT IS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM, PLEASE DON'T ASK THE QUESTION. LASTLY, I DO NOT ACCEPT RATINGS AS I DON'T DO THIS FOR RATINGS AND WISH TO SPEAK FREELY.
Experience
20 years in automotive industry, Currently in insurance claims, worked actively as technician and shop owner until about 10 years ago. Current ASE Master Auto Tech and I-Car Platinum Collision Certifications, B.S. Criminal Justice and 10 year auto insurance/extended warranty background
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