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Auto Insurance Claims/Insurance Claim Check

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Expert: - 7/4/2009


Question
I was hit by someone in a parking lot, and it was their fault. They have admitted total responsibility.  We do not have the same insurance carriers.  I owe nothing on my car.  They estimated damage is $3,000.  I have filed a claim through their insurance company. Will they write the check to me or to the auto body repair shop?  How can I get them to write the check to me.  I can live with the damage on my car, it's barely noticeable.  But the auto places want to replace door, repaint, etc, etc....
Thank You

Answer
Hello Joni,

Since it's a claim against another drivers liability insurance, they are supposed to make the check out to you alone, in most states.

For other readers here, if there is a lien on your car, they may add the lenders name in some states, but not their pet body shop.

Go ahead and call the adjuster and ask how they make out the check. If they say they have to add the shop or lienholder, they have to state what specific law says so.

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Ron Cercone

Expertise

How to handle automobile total loss claims. I am the president of UClaim.com, which sells 29 different eBooks I have written on how to maximize various types of auto, home and business claims and how to get coverage on denied claims. You may view their tables of contents online. Also available are very specialized eBooks such as on EUO (Examination Under Oath) for example. Also available is an assortment of policy forms used by the most popular insurers. The eBooks have a money back guarantee and currently include personal consultation with Ron Cercone.

Experience

I have been adjusting insurance claims since 1980. 1980 to 1995 adjusting for many insurers (6 years as an independent adjuster with my own company). Currently working as a public adjuster in California, since 1995. I'm one of the few public adjusters who has handled automobile damage and total loss claims.

Organizations
CAPIA (California Association of Public Adjusters).

Education/Credentials
BA 1975 in History and Industrial Arts. Full CV at UClaim.com .

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