Expert: Ron Cercone - 12/30/2010

Question
I live in Michigan and am insured with Progressive.  In late September I had a car/deer accident.  I had an estimate of damage performed by the adjuster at a "preferred" collision center (my policy with Progressive allows me to choose my repair shop.)  The estimate came in at around $2800.00 and I was assured by the adjuster that it could be fixed.  My deductible is $1000.00, so I needed some time to raise that (the car is drivable with no structural damage, damage is to the hood and headlight assembly.)  Several weeks ago I took the car to be fixed at a repair shop other than the one the adjuster prefers; he "found" $1400.00 additional damage and wants to total the car, he claims the additional damage is all under the hood and he did not notice it on the original estimate.  However, looking at the second estimate the only thing related to under the hood damage is a $200.00 air conditioner compresser, the rest is exterior and labor.  The car is a 2001 Saab 9-3; also, word around the "campfire" in this area is the adjuster has a "special" relationship with the first repair shop and I suspect if I took it there the car would be fixed.  What are your thoughts and advice?

Answer
Well you can't have it both ways. You can keep the car and repair it with the additional $200, or you can let him total the car out with the additional $1400. If it was me, I would let him total the car and deduct something for salvage value and keep the car, get it fixed and pocket the extra money. Now if you don't want to get out smarted on the cars value and the salvage deduction, get an eBook from UClaim.com http://www.uclaim.com entitled Total Loss Auto Advice, with a money back guarantee and free consultation with the author.