Expert: webfoot - 7/12/2006

Question
Hi-
 I was rear-ended at a stoplight 06-22-06. I am attempting to handle property and bodily injury claims myself.  Unfortunately, I did give a recorded statement to the tortfeasor's insurance company before I had a chance to do internet research.
 I am still attending physical therapy sessions and out of work until at least next week, so I am no where near tackling the injury claim yet.  However; in regards to the property damage, the adjustor sent a local appraiser to my home to view & photograph the damage.  He said that he would mail me a copy of his findings and that I should have it in within a day or two.  It never arrived.  Instead I received only a check from the insurance company labelled "In payment of claim for propery damage FINAL" with a memo that reads "This check includes car rental" for $904.56.  While it is true that my vehicle sustained what appears to be only minimal damage to the rear, I have no way of knowing the exact breakdown of this check including parts, labor, and diminished value.  How do you recommend I go about discovering this information and what should I do with this check?  I suppose I should send a letter to the adjustor requesting the breakdown of the amount.  Is diminished value applicable with such minor damage?  My car is a 2005 Toyota Prius with 30,000 miles.  I'd prefer to have it repaired at a Toyota dealership, but what do I do if the repairs are more than the amount of this check?  I'm sure the car will at least need an alignment check and the appraiser didn't even look underneath the car at all.  
  Thank you so much for your time.  I really appreciate it and find it difficult to believe that anyone would volunteer to help others in a forum such as this.

Answer
Just call the adjuster and have him fax a copy of his estimate to you.  Once received, take the vehicle to your repair facility and have them remove the rear bumper for a complete inspection.  They can then submit a supplement for any hidden damage to the adjuster.   
As he marked the property damage check as final, I would not cash it until all supplements have been addressed.
As far as diminished value, you may or may not be entitled to this.  It depends on your state laws and the degree of damage.  If there is no supplemental structural damage and this is just to replace a cracked plastic bumper cover, then there is no DV, no matter what the state.

If the plastic bumper cover does end up being the only damage, don't be surprised for a battle on the injury claim as a 9 year old can do the same damage with a hammer.  

Remember that I advertise an honest answer.  I've been in many accidents on and off road and have never been sore for more than a couple of days.  That is why I no longer handle injury claims as it was too hard for me to hold my tongue.