got rear-ended.. question

[iamnamja]

Hi,



I was rear-ended recently...

My car suffered some damages to the bumper and the trunk area, but doens't look that severe..



Now, so far I have contacted the other insurance company, and they have sent out an appraiser to look over the physical damages to the car... I'm waiting for an estimate to come back soon.



My question... Is there any way to just request them to give me a check, so that I can go and fix my car whenever, however I want? Well, to be honest, I believe I can get my car fixed through a friend of mine for a cheaper price than what the insurance company is saying it'll cost... then I guess I'll be able to pocket the difference. Is this possible?



Also, if that is possible, then what IF I get the check for the amount that the insurance company appraised the fixing cost to be... but we find internal damage once we open the car up? Then can I go back to the insurance company and explain that its going to cost more?



The reason why i'm asking all this.. is because the insurance company mentioned that they'll only work with state authorized dealers.. but my friend isn't one =)



Any suggestions will be very very helpful! Thanks!

 

[PerroneFord]

My suggestion,



Either let your friend do the work and pay for it yourself, or let the insurance folks pay for it and do it at an authorized shop. When I had my accident a couple of years ago (nothing too serious.. drove the car home) I already had a shop in mind and was going to pay out of pocket for the difference to get my car fixed there. Lo and behold, the insurance company told me that was one of the shops I was authorized to use for repair. I went out personally with the car, spoke to the folks at the shop, told them what I wanted, and got exactly what I wanted.



If your friend has not jumped through the hoops to do this, then don't try to use the insurance company to pay. Defrauding insurance companies so you can pocket the difference is NOT the way to handle this.

 

[Double Dizzle]

If your vehicle has a lien holder, your insurance will NOT write a check in your name alone. It will be made out to either you and a body shop or you and your lien holder.

 

[REVNU]

If your vehicle has a lien holder, your insurance will NOT write a check in your name alone. It will be made out to either you and a body shop or you and your lien holder.

This is TRUE.

 

[David Fermani]

Hi,



My question... Is there any way to just request them to give me a check, so that I can go and fix my car whenever, however I want? Well, to be honest, I believe I can get my car fixed through a friend of mine for a cheaper price than what the insurance company is saying it'll cost... then I guess I'll be able to pocket the difference. Is this possible?



Also, if that is possible, then what IF I get the check for the amount that the insurance company appraised the fixing cost to be... but we find internal damage once we open the car up? Then can I go back to the insurance company and explain that its going to cost more?



The reason why i'm asking all this.. is because the insurance company mentioned that they'll only work with state authorized dealers.. but my friend isn't one =)

You have 3 options:

1- go through a repair shop the insurance company works with (DRP)

2- go through your own shop of choice

3- take the check and don't get your car fixed



An insurance company owes you the full, reasonable amount to repair your vehicle. They can't tell you to not take your car somewhere to get it fixed. If they do, they can be sued for bad faith.



Because there's a chance of hidden damage (behind your bumper cover), have your friend do a "teardown" of the damaged parts to expose all the damage. Have the appraiser return to your friend's house/shop to write a supplement repair estimate. Even if your friend doesn't have a "real shop" it doesn't mean the insurance company doesn't owe you for all the damage as long as it's "fair & reasonable". Ask for the supplement check to be issued to you only.

My suggestion,



Either let your friend do the work and pay for it yourself, or let the insurance folks pay for it and do it at an authorized shop. When I had my accident a couple of years ago (nothing too serious.. drove the car home) I already had a shop in mind and was going to pay out of pocket for the difference to get my car fixed there. Lo and behold, the insurance company told me that was one of the shops I was authorized to use for repair. I went out personally with the car, spoke to the folks at the shop, told them what I wanted, and got exactly what I wanted.



If your friend has not jumped through the hoops to do this, then don't try to use the insurance company to pay. Defrauding insurance companies so you can pocket the difference is NOT the way to handle this.

Sorry, but this is bad advice. He can take his car anywhere wants, even the Ferrari for example. Insurance companies can't tell you what shop is "authorized" or not to fix your vehicle. Just because you wanted something specifically done doesn't mean its going to be allowed, even if it's taken to a shop that works with your insurance company. If it went down like that, that's called unfair insurance practices(bad faith) as well as steering and you're insurance company can be sued.

If your vehicle has a lien holder, your insurance will NOT write a check in your name alone. It will be made out to either you and a body shop or you and your lien holder.

In this case the OP is a "Claimant" and he can request a 1 party check from the insurance company. A 3rd party Insurance claim doesn't have a duty to protect the leinholder so they can write a single party check directly to the OP.

 

[automedix]

I must agree with David Fermani on this. Take the car to the shop or person of your choice. If they did not give you enough(minus your deductible)to cover repairs. Have your friend do a teardown and get a check from the adjuster for supplemental charges. Unfortunately this is how are insurance system is designed. There are too many people trying to commit fraud. You have to jump through hoops to get your car repaired.

 

[imported_paintxpert]

Too many variables involved to answer your question, but I will try. If its a newer car owned by the bank. It has to be repaired at the facility of your choice. If its a bomb and you want to pocket the dough that is entirely possible. Usually bumper covers can be replaced, no problem without any additional frustrations. The economy must still s---. If you fix your vehicle as it is damaged it will give you prolonged service and be kinder to the eye. As a result, you will feel better and treat it better. I have not driven a dirty car in 38 years.....I guess I have OCD. Damage would never be tolerated...not in my business. My car is my billboard.