Expert: Ron Cercone - 12/2/2009

Question
A few weeks ago, I was rear ended while stopped at a red light. We called the police, a report was written, and the driver that hit me was clearly at fault. Her insurance company has accepted liability for the accident. However, before getting her insurance company involved, she ask if she could pay for the repairs out of pocket. I told her I didn't mind and I went about obtaining 3 quotes, all of which were within $100 dollars of each other (averaging approximately $1400 for damage repair). Well she didn't want to spend $1,400 so she filed a claim with her insurance company and they sent me back to one of the collision shops that I originally visited to obtain a quote. This time, the body shop submitted an estimate to the insurance company for $800. Obviously, I feel like there is something strange going on when the body shop quoted me $1400 for the exact same job a week earlier. I do not want to use this body shop now, despite the fact that they appear to be the insurance companies preferred provider. Is it possible to dispute the $800 the insurance company is offering me (using my 3 collected estimates as evidence) and have them cut me a check for $1400 to choose which shop I use to repair the damage?

Answer
1. Compare the two estimates from that same shop in detail and see where the difference is. You don't have to use aftermarket parts.

2. If they are installing the same parts, but for less labor, let them do it, and if something breaks down, then the insurance company and the shop both have to make good on it. Make darn sure the repairs are perfect before you sign the check over to the shop. And put in writing before they start repairs that you WILL NOT sign over any payments for "supplemental repairs", so they better make sure their estimate is accurate. Sometimes a shop will lowball an estimate to get a job, then turn in a supplement later. Let them do a pre-repair "teardown" if necessary to make sure the estimate is accurate.

3. Go to one of the other shops and show them the estimate for $800.00.

4. See if the claim manager will average out your three estimates and pay you.

5. You can "cash out" as long as there is no leinholder on the check.