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About 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.

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.

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Insurance > Auto Insurance Claims > Can they do this

Auto Insurance Claims - Can they do this

Expert: Claims Guy - 11/7/2009

Question
I was in a car accident on 9/21/09 in Atl,Ga and my insurance company sent me a letter saying my car was totaled. They sent me a packet asking for my keys, power of atty and for me to sign the bill of sale then get everything notarized which I did and sent the packet back to my company. But a couple of days later I guess after reviewing the police report I get a call saying that the car is repairable (by the way the person who hit me is also insured with my company) They sent a check as well but I do not want the wrecked vehicle or the check because the damage caused the THE AIR BAG to DEPLOYED. I checked with another body shop and their estimate without a teardown was $3,000 more than the check which I have from the insurance I plan on calling the GEORGIA State Insurance Commissioners office because I think they are not being fair with me. Am I wrong to go straight to the commissioners of or try the insurance company one more time. I have been without a car for over a month now going back and forth with the insurance company I getting pretty angry with this whole thing I do not call this being made whole in my opinion. What are my options the car was only a year old with 34,000 miles on it damage to the front end.

Answer
Air bag deployment is not relevant. A vehicle is a total loss if the repair costs exceeds the retail value before the loss. In some states, they will be required to toal it if the repair cost exceeds 75% of the retail value. Air bags are replaced safely every day.

I would ask a body shop you trust if the vehicle can safely be rapired. If so, I would proceed with the repairs through the insurance company. It sounds like you are causing yourself unnecessary trouble.

If the shop disagrees, go to the commissioner.

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