Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 11/22/2011

Question
I have a question that refers back to a posted question from 9-12-2011 and your answer for getting a fair settlement when a car is totaled through an accident that was not my fault.  You said to gather information for area cars with similar mileage, options, make and model.  I have done all of that and submitted my research to the other insurance company's adjuster.  He has still come back with a low ball offer that is at least $3,000 $4,000 lower than the average of the 11 vehicles presented in my research.  My question is should I use my insurance company to get an appraisal (they do not seem very interested in assisting me with this claim to get a fair settlement) or should a get an independent appraiser on my own.  Is there anything else I can do to insure I get a fair settlement?

Answer
Hi Doug,

Very often an insurance company will reject the information a vehicle owner submits. This is done as a tactic to try to force you to accept their offer or have to spend money to get a professional appraisal done. So since you have already submitted information the only place to go now is to obtain a professional appraisal. You should visit www.collisionclaims.com to obtain a professional appraisal of your vehicle.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh