AboutRon Cercone Expertise How to handle automobile total loss claims. I am the president of UClaim and contribute to InsuranceClaimHelp.org .
Experience 28 years adjusting claims since 1980. 15 years for insurers. 14 years for policy holders as a public adjuster 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 .
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.
