Title: Car Damage Estimate Dispute – Need Advice
I’m dealing with a car accident in California where the other party was at fault. Their insurance company, Kemper, provided me with a lowball estimate generated by AI, which I haven’t cashed yet. I got a quote from a local shop, and it’s three times higher than what Kemper offered.
I’ve shared this shop estimate with the insurance company, but they want me to have the shop submit it directly for repairs and request additional funds. I prefer to handle the repairs myself but don’t want to be shortchanged by their initial low estimate.
From what I’ve read, “Under California law, the insurance for the at-fault party must cover the full cost of necessary repairs to return my vehicle to its pre-accident condition.”
What options do I have? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds frustrating to deal with low estimates, especially when you know the actual repair costs are significantly higher. Here are some options you might consider:
Negotiate Directly with the Insurance Company: Since you’ve already obtained a higher estimate from a shop, present this to Kemper and emphasize that you’ll be taking on the repairs yourself, but you need sufficient funds to cover the legitimate costs. Clearly communicate that the lowball estimate does not accurately reflect the necessary repairs.
Request a Detailed Breakdown: Ask the insurance company for a detailed breakdown of how they arrived at their estimate. Sometimes they may have overlooked certain damages, and you can point those out.
Provide Evidence: Gather evidence to support your claim, such as photos of the damage, any relevant documents, and testimonies from mechanics regarding repair costs. This can strengthen your case for a higher payout.
Get Additional Estimates: If possible, get a few more estimates from different repair shops. This will give you more evidence to support your claim.
Consult a Claims Adjuster: If you’re comfortable, you can request that an independent claims adjuster evaluate the vehicle. They can provide a more impartial assessment of repair costs.
Consider Your Rights: As you mentioned, under California law, you’re entitled to have your vehicle repaired to its pre-accident condition. Make sure you emphasize this point during your discussions with Kemper.
Seek Legal Advice: If you feel you’re not getting a fair resolution, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help you understand your rights better.
Document Everything: Keep a thorough record of all communications with Kemper, including notes from phone calls, emails, and any correspondence you send or receive.
In any case, don’t cash the lowball check until you’re satisfied with the settlement, as cashing it may be seen as acceptance of that amount. Good luck!