Towing Damage Quote Discrepancy - What to Do Next?

[Hikerdogs]

Originally Posted by ereadingrv

In California, at least, it does make a difference who the check is made out to. If you own the vehicle outright, it's legally your choice how you want to use the money--fix the vehicle or not, get it done at your choice of facilities, etc. The fact is, their client caused a certain dollar value in damage, and in California, if you own your vehicle outright then making you "whole" comes down to a check--not a facility. The facility situation only comes into play if the coach has a lien.

Frankly, the prices for everything in SoCal are higher than they should be. And I don't think the work is always particularly better for that "state premium".

It might make a difference as to who the check can be made out to, but if the body shop isn't included as a co payee they may want a large deposit before the work begins. They aren't going to take the chance that either they won't get paid, or won't get the full amount.

As for varying price estimates it's quite common depending on the skill, experience of the estimator, and the circumstances under which the estimate is written.

We had a similar situation when our 2004 Jeep Wrangler was rear ended. To the untrained eye the damage didn't appear all that extensive. The original estimate was around $5,000.00. As the body shop started disassemble they found more and more damage. Much of the expensive damage was hidden, and only revealed when they removed the body from the frame. The estimate was raised to $7,000.00 then to $10,000.00 and finally the insurance company was considering totaling it. I was told at one point to start pricing out a new Jeep.

Luckily we made a final call to the insurance company before purchasing a new vehicle. Since the Jeep was in like new condition with extremely low mileage the insurance company decided to repair it. The final price they negotiated was a little north of $12,000.00.

It's been over 2 years since the Jeep was repaired, and I must say the body shop did an excellent job. It looks, runs, and drives as good as the day we purchased it new in 2005.

[jacwjames]

Originally Posted by ereadingrv

In California, at least, it does make a difference who the check is made out to. If you own the vehicle outright, it's legally your choice how you want to use the money--fix the vehicle or not, get it done at your choice of facilities, etc. The fact is, their client caused a certain dollar value in damage, and in California, if you own your vehicle outright then making you "whole" comes down to a check--not a facility. The facility situation only comes into play if the coach has a lien.

Frankly, the prices for everything in SoCal are higher than they should be. And I don't think the work is always particularly better for that "state premium".

OK then, If it is the law you should get the check made out to you.

Take the highest quote you got and send it to the insurance company, they will contest the amount and ultimately negotiate to whatever value makes you whole.

If you decide to use the shop that provided the quote they may require a down payment to start but you'll have the $$ to cover it.

[Hit_the_Rhod]

Occasionally if the insurance company pays the insured directly, they will require proof that the vehicle was actually repaired. That is perfectly understandable as they shouldn't be required to pay the repair, and then down the road pay you AGAIN if the vehicle is involved in another accident . . .

My insurance company required that I prove that repairs were done on my roof many years ago since they paid me directly, and I did the repair myself. They asked for proof in the form of a receipt from the repairman. I offered a receipt from Lowes for materials, and said they were welcome to send out an adjuster to confirm that the work had been accomplished in a professional manner . . . they declined, saying my word was good enough . . . Really? Then why ask for a receipt? Whatever. Good luck getting your coach repaired!