Expert: Doctor Settlement - 8/7/2006

Question
I had an accident a couple of weeks ago. OP admitted liability to me and to State Farm, her insurance. It smashed passanger door and panel between passenger door. Car is paid for. I want to be paid directly for the claim because my cousin, who is at the body shop of Lexxus and does really good work, will do it on the side when he has a free day, which could be next week or next month. State Farm wants me to go to an approved site and they pay them directly. I know I don't have to do that but do they have to pay me directly if I ask for an adjustor to come out and look at damage and write up an estimate? I trust my cousin but I also know when you get paid for the job before it's done it takes a lot longer to come up with that "free time" to do it on the side. Several years ago I paid my brother in law to put up a fence for me and he didn't have free time for 7 months!- so lesson learned. I don't want to tell State Farm my plan and them shoot me down when maybe I don't have to tell them anything at all. I live in TN thanks for your help.  

Answer

Dear Lisa,

If your car is paid for, there is no lien holder that State Farm is looking out for.  Thus, you are entitled to the money, no questions asked.  Just have them send you the check for the estimate, and tell them to do it NOW.

It is NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS what you are going to do with the money.

Any delay or B.S. they give you, send a complaint to your state insurance commissioner http://www.settlementcentral.com/links.php

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com