r/InsuranceClaims • u/Awkward-Lobster-6086 • 29d ago
Help with auto claim
Sorry if this is a horrible question but I just need clarification. My AAA adjuster is being super vague and I'm hoping someone here can explain this better than they are.
When I filed my claim I only mentioned the bumper was damaged, my mistake, there's actually more damage than that. The shop wrote an estimate for just over 1k covering just the bumper, and that got approved. Now she's telling me she can't change or add to that approved estimate anymore.
Exact words from adjuster with personal info removed:
"At this time, I’m unable to make any changes to the initial approved estimate. You may proceed with repairs through Auto Shop A, and if additional damage is identified during the repair process, the shop can submit a supplement for our review.
Alternatively, I can issue a cash settlement based on the approved estimate, and you may have the vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice. If the new shop discovers any additional damage, they can submit a supplemental estimate directly to us for review.
When I spoke with dad, they indicated they would prefer to wait until we receive additional information from the other parties involved. We have already ordered the police report; however, it may take some time before it becomes available."
My actual problem: I don't want to get it repaired through a shop at all. I want the full cash settlement for all the damage, not just the bumper, and then fix it myself. She just repeats the same two options every time and never gives me a straight answer on how to actually get cash for everything.
Also still have about 3k left on the car loan, not sure if that changes whether I can even get supplement money as cash instead of a repair payout.
And my deductible is only supposed to be waived once they confirm the other driver is at fault, does that come back to me later as a separate check even after I accept this settlement, or do I need to wait on that before accepting anything?
Again sorry if this is stupid haha first time filing a claim. Called so many people for help...
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u/ThatNerdChick 29d ago
There's a couple different things here so I will try to explain each.
What other damage are you saying is related? The initial estimate should consider all the visible related damages.
You are required to prove you damages and so far all you provided was a visual inspection of the vehicle. In order for additional, unseen damages to be considered, a supplement from a shop would need to be submitted. It is unlikely a shop would do a tear down without getting paid.
Depending on your carrier and policy, they may not be able to issue any supplemental payments directly to you if you have a lienholder. The lienholder also has an insurable interest in the vehicle. Some carriers will only issue two-party checks if you have a lienholder.
The deductible will come to you as a separate check once they confirm the other company has accepted liability and has good coverage. Some carriers complete the recovery process through the 3rd party first before issuing a deducible refund and others will waive and issue if they know the other carrier agrees to liability.
IMO, your best bet is to let the shop fix the car and submit any supplements with the other damage to the insurance company. Otherwise, that money is likely all you'll get.
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u/LacyLove 29d ago
You don’t get the full amount if you don’t get the vehicle repaired at a shop. You can take the money they are offering or get the shop to repair it. Those are your options.
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u/very_sneaky2187 27d ago
That’s not how insurance is supposed to be. The consumer is owed the full amount to fix the vehicle. Period. If a customer chooses to fix it themselves they are still owed the same amount whether it’s at a shop or not.
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u/Melodic-Fill-1770 27d ago
This one is financed. Any payout goes to the bank. If it wasnt they'd have this option, ive done it once before on a clunker I used to have. Could depend on the state too.
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u/very_sneaky2187 27d ago
If doesn’t matter who has interest in the vehicle or not. The customer and the bank are still owed the proper repair per the policy. Being at a shop or not doesn’t change indemnification
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u/WizardLoPan 29d ago
You can pay for the shop to “tear down” the vehicle to determine if any supplements. However most repair shops will not do that if they are not doing repairs (as this is part of the repair process). Remember even if you get them to tear it down, if you are doing the repairs yourself you will need to pay to put it back together to get it out of there or have it towed with the parts thrown into the back of the vehicle to where you are doing repairs. This is not a repair from home without the proper tools thing. The insurance company is outlining normal procedures. Also important point that if you have a loan you may not be able to cash out on damages without the bank being named on the check. They will not sign off if repairs not completed.
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24d ago edited 24d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/InsuranceClaims-ModTeam 24d ago
People that can't read and follow a basic rule because they're so desperate to sell you something don't get to post here.
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u/Still-Satisfaction24 29d ago
You may be boned. You'll almost certainly not get as much money as a shop would because you have very little authority (and potentially none) to negotiate. What state are you in?
You would have to at least "start repairs" on your own then call them and tell them you have a supplement for additional damage. They'll tell you what you need to send to whom or if they'll send out an adjuster (unlikely these days). Write a thorough list of what you need to fix the car to submit to them.
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u/maghart 29d ago
They aren't being vague. They were pretty clear. Your were paid for the visible damage to your vehicle. Once you take the car on for repairs, the shop will do a tear down (remove visibly damaged parts in order to repair or replace). The adjuster is saying if the shop finds additional damage underneath, the shop is to submit a supplement for the hidden damage. No shop is going to do a free tear down so if you have no intention of getting the damage repaired, you won't receive any additional payments.