Auto shop Estimate vs. Insurance company Estimate

I want to stress an important step in the repair process when dealing with insurance companies. Again, the information I am about to provide should not be taken personal advice to aid or provide any solution to your personal claim that you are currently having, had in the past, or will have in the future. It is highly advised that you consult an attorney and/or a Public Adjuster for any details surrounding your personal loss regarding your auto repairs.

Let me start by helping you understand that you have the right to choose the shop of your desire to repair your vehicle back to the condition or like condition prior to the accident or loss. This is a factual statement and most insurance carriers do not have a problem with this. However, most insurance carriers would like for their field appointed inspector to write the initial estimate before repairs start on your vehicle. This is a very important step mostly to prevent any potential fraud or any nonrelated repairs to your vehicle.

This is a very important as to why you should choose shops and repair facilities that have agreements with insurance companies. Yes, it is your right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. However, having a shop that is affiliated with the insurance company that is paying for the repair of the vehicle, could cut down turnaround time because most shops with agreements have the luxury to write an estimate right on the spot instead of waiting for a field inspector to arrive to the shop.

What are the benefits of what I just mentioned? Along with the cut down of turnaround time is the ability to submit a supplement for additional repairs. This is very crucial because the common mistake of when vehicle owners have an initial estimate from an insurance carrier and then have a different shop of their choice conduct a tear down and find additional repairs, there is a cost difference that is presented. The shop chosen by the owner has one price, and the estimate completed by the field inspector normally has a lower price. This is a recipe for meltdown city from the vehicle owner and the common instruction is easily missed with the inspector's estimate (normally at the top of the page on most estimate) saying "for any supplement request or additional repairs, please contact..... with an email or number included".

Most people (shops and vehicle owners) miss this and could save a bunch of time on stress and time if directions are read and followed before the first wrench hits the vehicle. I understand it is your vehicle and that person shouldn't have hit you and it's their fault and you should receive pain and suffering and all that other good stuff. Trust me, I understand. However, there is a process that should be followed and this process is to cut down on fraud and that your vehicle is repaired correctly and professionally in a timely manner.

Now there is no perfect scenario and these repairs can take some time. Believe this or not, here are some factors that could add to your repair time, and possibly no payment (depending on the carrier) and the situation.

1. All shops claim they are affiliated with an insurance carrier. They just want the business. To confirm that shops have an official agreement with a carrier, speak to the adjuster that is currently handling the claim and assumed liability for the loss. Do not ask your agent. Do not ask the shop. Do not ask your friend that has been an adjuster for 30 years.

2. Sending an adjuster photos and a copy of the estimate before letting the adjuster know which shop you are taking your vehicle to for repairs. This is like putting the cart before the horse. I can't tell you how many times I screamed when I see this and then people wonder why there are delays in repairs. Understand the process. Inspection, start repairs, supplement request to proper party, and completion of repairs.

3. Wanting your insurance company to handle repairs by switching after a shop of your choice has started repairs when the opposite insurance company has authorized repairs for the vehicle. Most carriers at this point will not step in and suggest that the current repairs are completed and then a process of Subrogation will begin after repairs are completed. Only when a policy limits are at the point where the repair cost exceeds those policy limits is when the opposite carrier will take over to cover repair cost.

There are far too many situations that could play a factor in any delays. The main focus is to have proper rental coverage so that you can have transportation an your daily life is not interrupted. I will write an article on rentals and more detail on the subrogation process soon. Meanwhile, please stop stressing these claim adjusters out because you and your shop cannot follow directions. Sit down, slow down and read the estimate from the insurance company and not the shop.