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Auto Insurance Claims/liability insurance claim

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Expert: Charlie Barone - 5/14/2009


Question
I was rear ended by a Geico customer - Geico has instructed me to see their adjuster & body shop.  I do not have a leinholder on the vehicle, and do not necessarily want to get it repaired right now.  Can I just ask for the repair check in my name?

Answer
Yes, you are entitled to the cost of the repairs and a claim does not mandate that the repair is done. My advice is to get an estimate from an independent shop that doesn't offer Geico a discount, which would serve to decrease the amount they offer you in settlement. You may have to pay an independent shop for the estimate, but the net result will be higher.

You are under no obligation to take your car to any particular shop.

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Charlie Barone

Expertise

For questions involving auto damage claims, collision repair, forensics, industry practices, we can help. We specialize in claims for loss of resale value (Diminished Value).

Experience

I have 30 years experience in the collision repair and body reconstruction field, both hands-on and from behind the desk. I hold a Master Certification from ASE in the Body and Paint category, as well as their certification in Estimating. I have authored over 120 feature and training articles for the largest trade journal devoted to the collision repair industry, and have given expert testimony in court dozens of times. Licensed physical damage appraiser in Pennsylvania and reciprocal states.

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