Expert: Doctor Settlement - 3/22/2007

Question
I had my vehicle towed to my shop for them to repair. The insurance claims adjuster from the other person involved, who was at fault, has yet to see the vehicle but the shop started repair without my authorization. What do I do now? Am I going to lose out on the actual amount I should be rewarded?

Answer
Hi Mike,

You probably can stop the repair process, but chances are that you will just let it go ahead, unless it meets the test of serious damage to the vehicle.

I suppose whether you need to stop the process now depends upon two things.  First, and foremost is the nature and extent of damage to the vehicle.  If it is serious, stop work until you can get an expert to help you.  See the page linked below.

Second, is whether or not it is an approved shop for that particular company.  Read about that in the link below.  If it is an approved shop, then they can write their own repair estimate and they can bind the company.  Likely no adjuster will ever even see your vehicle.

The following pages have more than sufficient free www.SettlementCentral.Com auto accident information.  They will get you up to speed on the process, and if the vehicle is expensive or the damages are serious, you will learn how and why to hire an expert.

Best wishes,

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

First steps with auto body shop:
http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0458.htm

Why and how to hire an expert to help with collision repair
http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0457.htm

All about collision repair shops and insurance adjuster relationships:
http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0456.htm