Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 6/9/2009

Question
Hi - we recently had 3 vehicles damaged extensively from the recent hail storm.  Two of the vehicles are newer cars 2008 and 2006 with approx. $4k damage each -  We are in GA and feel we should be entitled to diminished value on each vehicle, however ins. carrier has denied same.  Are we entitled and what could our argument be to take back to the carrier ?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Earl,

You are entitled to be paid for the diminished value of your cars. You will need to hire a local diminished value appraiser to appraise your vehicles and determine the amount of the loss for each vehicle. You will then send the appraisals to your insurance company with a formal demand for payment letter. At the same time you will invoke your "appraisal clause" which is a clause within your your insurance policy designed to help settle disputes.

Since you are in Georgia, you should contact Collision Claim Associates, Inc. at 1-866-438-6938 or their website www.collisionclaims.com .

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh