Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 6/15/2009

Question
We were just advised that our Jeep sustained inner structural damage to the core supports, radiator support and apron after hitting a deer.  The insurance company has declined to total the car and authorized repair (in addition to bumper repair previously authorized).  We are concerned about what this additional damage means in terms of safety in future operation?  How can we evaluate whether the repaired car is truly safe to drive?  Do we have a claim for diminished value?  Should we be asking the insurer to take another look?

Answer
Hi Susie,

The structural damage to your vehicle can be properly repaired. It is your responsibility to be sure that you have selected a body shop that can and will properly repair the vehicle. You should not use a body shop just because they are referred to you by your insurance company. Often these relationships only benifit the insurance company with cheap repairs. That is not to say that if the insurance company referred them that it is automatically going to be a bad repair. You should meet with the body shop manager and be sure he understands that he works for you not the insurance company. You should request a copy of their written warrantee which should be good for at least 5 years. You should also let him know that you are going to have an independent inspection of the work including all welds and structural integrity. After you get the vehicle back you can then go to another shop and pay them to re-inspect your vehicle to be sure everything was done correctly.

You can only make a diminished value claim against your own insurance company if you live in the state of Georgia. If not then you can not. If you do live in Georgia you should visit www.collisionclaims.com .


I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh