by ShinerDraft » Mon Oct 13, 2008 05:29 pm
I'm a multiple line (auto & home) Allstate customer with no auto claims or reported tickets for over 10 years. My rate for the auto policy just went up by about $215/year.
About 10-12 days ago, I stopped by a store on the way home from work and when I came back from inside the store, I noticed that the driver's side rear bumper & fender was all messed up.
I've had 3 body shops look at it, and the estimates are between $1,200 and $1,800.
I made an anonymous (i.e. I didn't give them my name or policy #) call to Allstate's claims dept, and they said that if I decided to make a claim, it would go on the hit & run portion of my policy ($250 deductible).
Any thoughts on the likelihood of a further rate increase if I make this claim?
How involved is the adjuster in the claims process - does he babysit the repair work & everything, or is he done once I get the check?
Any other thoughts?
About 10-12 days ago, I stopped by a store on the way home from work and when I came back from inside the store, I noticed that the driver's side rear bumper & fender was all messed up.
I've had 3 body shops look at it, and the estimates are between $1,200 and $1,800.
I made an anonymous (i.e. I didn't give them my name or policy #) call to Allstate's claims dept, and they said that if I decided to make a claim, it would go on the hit & run portion of my policy ($250 deductible).
Any thoughts on the likelihood of a further rate increase if I make this claim?
How involved is the adjuster in the claims process - does he babysit the repair work & everything, or is he done once I get the check?
Any other thoughts?
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 09:32 pm Post Subject:
Like you said, $16.66 per month really isn't that bad. Possibly a rate increase and/or your car is a year older (new car discount drops)?
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 09:42 pm Post Subject:
I checked out my coverages & it just looks like an across the board increase in rates...
So... Back to my question.. My wife & I both have great driving records and no claims for >10 years. Add that to this not even conceivably being my fault.. I'm getting the feeling that it's not a terrible idea to go with a claim?
And LIG - are there any magic words or other tactics that I can use that to get the adjuster to just cut me a check rather than get involved in the repair process?
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:20 pm Post Subject:
Ask you agent about the adjuster that works your area. He/she would be the best one to gauge how that will go.
He/she might even know the adjuster and be able to say, "Hey look, just let my customer go to ______ to get it fixed - he's been a customer for over 10 years, no claims. I want this to go as smooth as possible for my customer."
(are you attempting to keep the adjuster completely out of this and have the check cut directly to you?)
Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 09:24 am Post Subject:
First a UMPD claim I seriously doubt could be classified as a 'charegable' accident which is the only way it would cause a rate increase...
No magic words needed tell the adjuster you want the draft made payable to you period...it's your choice not the adjusters...they cannot insist that you repair your vehicle...they can however and have to include your lein holder on the draft if you have one...then you just send it to the lein holder and apply it to your principle...or allow it to make payments (bad idea)....if there is no lein holder then they can pay you direct....do not accept any arguement from them on this topic..if you get one (which i doubt) let us know and we'll help you with that....
Bottom line...your rates shouldn't go up with a UMPD claim (you can also contact your dept of ins..they can answer whether it is allowed or not)....the rep can pay you direct it's up to you if and when you repair the vehicle... and everyones ins. is too high...but honestly it probably wouldn't hurt you to check around for rates with other companies...make sure you are comparing apples to apples (same coverages, limits, deductibles)...one more thing...the lower the deductible the higher the premium...you might want to look at your rates if you increase your deductibles (can't usually on UMPD they are the same for everyone) especially on that trailer...I'd raise that puppy to 1k if it were me... :wink: What are your collision and comp deductibles on your cars and what is your homeowners deductible?
Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 01:24 pm Post Subject:
Shiner, you might want to ask if your Allstate agent offers Your Choice Auto (I'm not sure if it's offered nation-wide yet). Now that you have a claim, this will allow you to not be cancelled for claims, etc.
Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 01:54 pm Post Subject:
Great help here folks. Thanks a bunch.
No lien holder, so that's not a concern.
The reason I'm asking about the check is that I'm not 100% sure whether I'll be able to get it fixed or not.
In the last few weeks, we've been looking to replace this vehicle, and we've found what may turn out to be a really good deal. We're waiting for the dealer to get the new vehicle cleaned up & ready for us to look at. If it comes available, I might need to act quickly - which means not being able to wait for repairs on my damaged vehicle.
Also - I'm going to review my coverages & deductibles with my agent soon. I think that I've asked about alot of them, and if I remember correctly the higher deductibles didn't change my rates by enough to justify the added risk. For instance, a $500 increase in my collision deductible only saved me $10 per year.
Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 06:49 pm Post Subject:
Yes I see what you mean there about not justifying the risk. I had this when I looked in to dropping my 2000 Grand am down to liability since it wasn't ran often. I just kept the full coverage...wasn't worth the risk.
Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 09:52 am Post Subject:
Different areas are different I suppose...it's a HUGE difference where I am and the company I'm with...for instance (this is almost embarrassing to admit)..I carried 250 ded on my HO for well ever I guess...anyway as HO rates went thru the roof after a couple of years of that I checked...and it saved me like 400bucks a year going to a 500 deductible..now how stupid was I not to check that early! :roll:
Again...they can pay you direct...just still them that at the onset.
Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:26 pm Post Subject:
I raised my deduct on my homeowners a few years ago to 500. Recent ly after my hubby hit my bros truck I was worried about the rates being unaffordable and my agent said I could raise my deduct to $1000 to swallow the extra costs. With the money situation the way it is for now I was going to do it...But since I am still considered a mobile home they will not let you raise it that high around here. I am still dissappointed over the whole "mobile home" thing. I just can not believe that no matter what I do I can not change that. It even has a deed.
Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:07 am Post Subject:
Mobile homes don't have deeds. They have titles. Do you have a mobile home or a manufactured home. It does make a difference (well, with my company it does).
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