Re: Help with insurance appraisal

[Behdad <bbehnam@erols.com>]

Josh Clark wrote:
> 
> Hey all,
> I got into an accident about 6 weeks ago in April when I was coming through an
> intersection on a 4 lane road in the far right lane.  A lady on the opposite side, who
> could not see in my direction and who was already in the oncoming lane next to me,
> decided to go for it as soon as I entered the intersectionj and she hit me in the front
> left corner.  I need a new hood, light assembly and fender, about $1400 worth from a
> body shop but I'll do the work myself.  Now all the reports are in and HER insurance
> company wants to send an appraiser to my house to look at the damage.  Is this
> good?  Does this mean they will probably settle in my favor?  They better.  She tried
> to say I swerved around a car and hit her.  All she did was loose a bumper on her
> Cherokee.  What should I tell the appraiser?  Should i notify my own company?  I
> have never dealt with this type of situation and don't want to screw anything up.
> Thank you for any and all advice!
> 
Unfortunately, I've had a lot of experience dealing with insurance
companies.  Do not under any circumstances say anything to anyone from
her insurance company about what happened.  If they need a statement,
tell them you'll be happy to write one and send it to them.. DO NOT LET
THEM RECORD YOUR CONVERSATION.  I don't have anything against insurance
adjusters, they are professionals and they're just doing their job -
unfortunately for you that job is to pay out as little as possible.  And
definately by all means tell your own insurance.  They can give you
advice and help you get a settlement from the other company (unless of
course the accident is your fault, but that doesn't seem to be the case
here.)

As far as the appraiser is concerned, their only job is to value the
damage to your car.  It's helpful if you have a couple of written
estimates when they are there.  Don't show the estimates unless he
values the damage at less than a body shop.  In my experience, insurance
companies seldom give you any value to work you've done on the car
unless it is considered an improvement.  Things like clutch, brakes,
tires, etc.  are considered routine maintenance to them.  But don't just
give in - remember they're always afraid of being sued and want to
settle.  It's up to you how much you want to push.  BTW, did the other
woman get a ticket or was there a police report.  Cuz if either of these
is the case, you have the upper hand in case you have to sue the
insurance company.

Good Luck.

Behdad
'88 16V (slightly toasted, but still running)
'87 16V (totalled)
'84 (totalled)
'80 (totalled)
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