by Guest » Thu Jul 08, 2010 03:04 am
Last week, I was struck by another car which caused body damage. The car was still drivable. The other driver was entirely at fault. I called the insurance company and filed a claim.
Two days later, I had a $1,000 plus unrelated mechanical problem. I don't know yet if I'm going to junk the car or pay for the repair.
The adjuster hasn't looked at my car yet for the body damage. When s/he does, I still may not know if I want to repair the car or not.
Yes, I may use the insurance check to compensate for the repair bill, and leave the cosmetic damage as is. It depends on how bad the engine situation turns out to be and how much it will cost.
Please understand, the accident occurred before the engine problem. They are unrelated. I've just been unlucky with my car lately.
I don't know what to do? Is the mechanical issue any of the insurer's business? If I choose to junk the car, and pocket the check, am I doing something wrong/illegal?
Two days later, I had a $1,000 plus unrelated mechanical problem. I don't know yet if I'm going to junk the car or pay for the repair.
The adjuster hasn't looked at my car yet for the body damage. When s/he does, I still may not know if I want to repair the car or not.
Yes, I may use the insurance check to compensate for the repair bill, and leave the cosmetic damage as is. It depends on how bad the engine situation turns out to be and how much it will cost.
Please understand, the accident occurred before the engine problem. They are unrelated. I've just been unlucky with my car lately.
I don't know what to do? Is the mechanical issue any of the insurer's business? If I choose to junk the car, and pocket the check, am I doing something wrong/illegal?
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 03:22 am Post Subject:
No issues... if no lien they should issue payment for the cost to repair the vehicle and call it a day. What you need to do is explain to the appraiser that you may not have the vehicle repaired. Most of the time appraisers won't write up damages that can't see... even if they exist, as they will wait for it to go into the shop and be torn down. If you don't have this done make sure the appraiser errors on the side of making a very good guess at everything that needs to be done.
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:33 am Post Subject:
I don't know what to do?
Whatever you want...this is a third party claim right (other guy at fault?)Is the mechanical issue any of the insurer's business?
ONLY if the car totals,If I choose to junk the car, and pocket the check, am I doing something wrong/illegal?
Nope, you can get your nails done with it if you want :wink:Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 02:15 pm Post Subject:
Thanks for the replies. It just doesn't seem right to have an adjuster do a quote on a car that's going to be scrapped for engine trouble (if that turns out to be the case, I still don't know.)
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 03:39 pm Post Subject:
It just doesn't seem right to have an adjuster do a quote on a car that's going to be scrapped
No other way to be paid for the damage that was done. You'd have had it looked at if the engine hadn't conked out, right?
Why change your attitude now? What if you had the repairs done and then the engine quit? Would you have said, "Shoot, I never would have fixed the damage if I'd known this was going to happen"?
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:10 pm Post Subject:
I appreciate your character, Breakdownboy, but honey they owe you for the damages that were caused to your vehicle...period...doesn't matter if you fix the car or not...Lets say you had no engine trouble, they write the estimate, and pay you for the damages, you are under NO obligation to repair this vehicle, you can pocket the money...they (again) owe you for whatever damages their insured caused (thru their own negligence) to your vehicle. It matters not, what happened after that accident to your car.
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:35 pm Post Subject:
I actually received a letter tonight in the mail from the insurance company that also states that I am not under obligation to use the money for the body damage.
Thank you all for your replies. I really was very concerned about this and couldn't find answers and you've all set my mind at ease. It's very much appreciated.
Funny how things work sometimes. The accident last week may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We'll see.
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:53 pm Post Subject:
Glad we could help...Max is an agent and has been for, I don't know ever I think..Tcope and I are both claims adjusters with more than 20years experience each...so we're telling you the truth...glad you feel better about it, and isn't it funny how some times these things do work out for the better...good luck to you!
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:59 pm Post Subject:
Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise, and good luck to you as well. :P
Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2010 04:28 am Post Subject:
First licensed as a Life Agent in 1980. Left the industry for about 10 years to finish college and go on to get a Master's. Came back in 1997, and added P&C a few months later in January 1998.
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