Need some advice dealing with my insurance co. (repair vs. replacement of rear bumper).
08-30-2002, 10:42 AM
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Need some advice dealing with my insurance co. (repair vs. replacement of rear bumper).
Short story: a month ago, I was sitting at a red light, and got rear ended. The person that caused the accident has questionable insurance (her insurance co. claimed they cancelled the policy, she claims she wasn't notified). So, I'm filing this through my insurance co.
My insurance and the body shop believe the existing bumper can be repaired (vs. complete replacement). The car was perfect before it was hit, and I want it to be perfect after it is repaired. The body shop is willing to concede that the bumper repair may not look perfect after it ages (several years), however the insurance adjuster disagrees.
From my standpoint, I want the bumper replaced, and I have authorized the body shop to do such. I just need an angle with the insurance company, so I can get the remaining money back. Anyone have any ideas?
My insurance and the body shop believe the existing bumper can be repaired (vs. complete replacement). The car was perfect before it was hit, and I want it to be perfect after it is repaired. The body shop is willing to concede that the bumper repair may not look perfect after it ages (several years), however the insurance adjuster disagrees.
From my standpoint, I want the bumper replaced, and I have authorized the body shop to do such. I just need an angle with the insurance company, so I can get the remaining money back. Anyone have any ideas?
08-30-2002, 11:21 AM
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The adjuster noted that if internal parts were damaged, a supplemental bill would be acceptable.
All structural parts are fine, or were replaced as required. This boils down to a cosmetic issue. I'm just not happy about someone else f'ing up my bumper, and getting away with a "refinish" when the car was pristine before they hit it. Thanks for the input though!
08-30-2002, 11:47 AM
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Hmm, i think it comes down to how personal your relationship with your insurance agent is...
how much insurance do you have with them? Explain that your shop believes the bumper will not look the same afterward...and that you would not consider this a proper resolution, that you keep this company with their premiums because of the quality of their coverage, etc...
Cheers,
Sameer
Cheers,
Sameer
08-30-2002, 12:03 PM
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The conflict isn't with the agent, it's with the parent company (State Farm).
My agent can't do much at all for me (but it's worth asking him...maybe he has some advice for me). Right now there are five cars and a house insured with State Farm. I'll do my best to leverage that in my letter.
08-30-2002, 12:28 PM
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Tell the body shop to get a "rejection slip" from the specialist they normally send it to...
for heating and molding, ie, prior to painting by the body shop. The insur. Co. may or may not choose to have it inspected. Will take a few extra days but you'll feel better.
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08-31-2002, 06:46 AM
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They strip the paint, sand it down, fill in the bent areas with filler.
Re-sand, prime, and repaint...or something like that. Basically, your bumper is still bent, but from the outside, you can't really see that.
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