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we should add something to the FAQ's regarding.... Posted by bryan [Email]  (#542)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from bryan) on Mon, 21 May 2001 15:21:48
In Reply to: An As* in a z71 chevy pickup killed my 9k, Jeff La Fleur, Sun, 20 May 2001 18:55:52 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
how to deal with insurance co's. I don't have time to post all the shtuff i know about dealing with the not very bright, antagonistic, and greedy insurance adjusters and their ilk. first off:
*DOCUMENT* I would only communicate by fax, not even e-mail. Insist on any offers, guarantees, etc. be supplied in writing. You'll be surprised when the guarantees dry up.
*USE YOUR BODY SHOP* Chances are they'll come at with some line like 'you have to use our body shop otherwise we won't be able to help you as much'.
out and BS, AND illegal. ask them to provide THAT statement in writing. If they do, take it down to your local District Attorney, as that is called 'steering' and is illegal in all 50 states. Insurance companies INDEMNIFY RISK, they do NOT fix cars!! They aren't supposed to be able to tell you WHERE to get your car fixed either! Really, insurance companies aren't supposed to write estimates, but it's become widely accepted because there is NO oversight (look who contributed to your states insurance commissioners campaign fund, if elected).
The 'partners' the insurance companies want you to use are large butcher shops where they ins. co. has negotiated (Like a Chinese warlord) a favorable discount on labor and parts, in return for....well, nothing really. The body shop is assuming that the ins. co. will keep work coming their way, but the body shop is on the hook for EVERYTHING, including the work guarantees (the body shop is the primary guarantor of any work performed, which is why you won't find a written guarantee from the ins. co. because THEY DON"T HAVE ONE TO GIVE YOU. They'll sure talk about it like it exists though.
The body shop, realizing they aren't making squat on ins. co. repairs, will cut corners and bang your car out ASAFP so they can make a little bit of money. The ins. co. people won't get their car fixed there, or use aftermarket parts...will you?
*OEM PARTS* won't find too many aftermarket parts for saab, but insist on OEM anyway. If they squeak, bring up the 1.2 billion judgement against State Farm for only paying for aftermarket parts when it's not disclosed in the policy. Ask them if they are willing to accept the liability of untested parts that are not approved by the DOT, NHTSA, or anything else that OEM parts are.
if they total the car, consider buying it back from them. Might be well worth it for parts if nothing else, or find another car and slap your good stuff on.
Good luck! other helpful sites:
http://www.autobodyonline.net active discussion board on these topics
http://www.insure.com good general info on insurance, searchable
, Mon, 21 May 2001 15:21:48 <-- Viewing This Message
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