Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 6/24/2010

Question
Hi Richard:

My car was rear ended when waiting for traffic. So the other driver is at fault. I filed claim to his insurer. I was scheduled for estimate and got offered a check. But I haven't cashed the check yet because I am disappointed about the offer. I am trying my insurer for an estimate although I have deductible plan. Is it OK to reject his insurer's offer at this point if mine insurer's offer is better? I believe my insurer will get all money from his insurer including the deductible eventually. If yes, how to reject it? Write a letter and return the check?

Thanks so much,

Yan

Answer
Hi Yan,

You should not accept an "offer" from either. The at-fault persons insurance company owes you for the total cost to properly repair your car. You should select a body shop that you want to actually repair your car and take the car to that body shop. Put the car in the shop for the repairs and give them a copy of the insurance estimate. If the shop finds additional unseen damage (which they usually will) the shop will call the insurance company who will pay the shop for the additional damage. The insurance comapnmy will also owe you for a rental car or loss of use payment while your car is in the shop being repaired.

If you do not intend to repair your car but instead just take the money, then the decision is yours.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh