Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 5/1/2009

Question
Hello, my car was hit by a tree. The insurance company decided to fix the car. The first adjusters estimate was 9,000 dollars. After writing several more adjustments the cost is totaling around 16,000 dollars. The body shop that I was referred by my agent did a terrible job and I had to return the car several times until he said that he wouldn't do anything else to my car. I have small glass blowing out of my vents and the body makes popping noises. I'm at a lost, my insurance said that can't do anything else and body shop said that they are done. I'm thinking of seeking legal help, but not sure how to approach the problem. Thank you for any advice you may have. Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,

If it was the claims adjuster that sent you to that body shop then they as well as the body shop are responsible for the quality of the repairs. There are some things you can do but they may require some time, work and a little money. You will need to find a body shop that does not work with this insurance comapny to reinspect your car. They will need to write a re-repair estimate to properly and completely repair your car. Then you call your insurance company and tell them to either send you a check for the re-repairs or you will file suit against both them and the body shop.

For possible additional assistance with this visit www.collisionclaims.com .

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh