Re: Help with insurance appraisal

[TCame86712@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-05-29 15:38:20 EDT, you write:

> 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. 

I'd need to look at the market in your area to be sure, but this could be a
total loss.

 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? 

This is normal procedure, many companies have staff appraisers. What company
is it and what state do you live in?

 Does this mean they will probably settle in my favor? 

Not necessarily, they will need to look at your car to help with their
investigation. Often times, the damage will help tell the real story, if she
is not telling the truth.

 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? 

He probably won't need much info from you, he'll just be there to look at the
car and assess the damage. 

 Should i notify my own company?

Yes, if she tries to blame you and you really are not at fault, they'll be
there to defend you. That's what you pay them for. Also, If the other carrier
finds you at fault, they'll bill you for her damages and possibly for
injuries, if she claims to be injured. You'll then need to provide your
company's name, and they'll need to begin an investigation any how. Bottom
line, get your company involved right away.


>   I 
>  have never dealt with this type of situation and don't want to screw 
> anything up.  

Just tell the truth, don't cover anything up, and cooperate. If you really
did do anything to contribute to the accident, it'll all come out anyhow, and
if you aren't honest up front it will damage your credibility. And if you are
truly not at fault, the facts will speak for themselves. I saw someone
suggest you get a sealed bid from a shop. This is not a good idea, and there
really is no true sealed bid. If the shop finds more damage, they'll just
call the insurance company and ask for a supplement. If you really want to
help an appraiser save the car from totalling, find some used parts in a
salvage yard. This can help keep costs down and may save the car.
If it does total, you can retain the salvage. This is often what is called
buying your car back. You will probably have a salvaged title, but at least
you keep your car.

>  Thank you for any and all advice!
>   
Let me know if you have any questions. I'm an insurance appraiser so I can
probably answer anything you come up with.

Todd C.
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