Should I get a shop estimate for my car damage?
My car was recently involved in a hit-and-run accident. Since I can’t keep it in a shop for a week without impacting my bills and deductible, I’ve decided to take a payout and handle the repairs myself.
I’ve heard that I shouldn’t rely solely on a photo estimate and should get a shop estimate as well. However, my insurance agent has been somewhat unclear. They mentioned that they typically don’t provide shop estimates for payouts, and if I did obtain one, it wouldn’t matter because “a shop not working for insurance might replace parts that could be repaired.”
Should I still seek a shop estimate, or is it better to just proceed with the photo estimate?
It’s definitely a challenging situation you’re in, but getting a shop estimate can still be beneficial, even if you plan to do the repairs yourself. Here are a few points to consider:
Understanding Costs: A shop estimate can give you a clearer picture of the potential costs for repairs. Even if your insurance payout is based on a photo estimate, knowing the full scope of what a professional would charge can help you budget for any additional expenses.
Supplementing Your Estimate: While your insurance agent mentioned they might not account for differences between estimates, having a shop estimate can provide you with a documented reference of what the repairs might cost, which can be useful if you encounter any unexpected issues during your DIY repairs.
Quality of Repair: If a shop estimates that certain parts can be repaired rather than replaced, this information may help you save money on your repairs as you shop for parts or plan your work.
Negotiation Tool: If you find that the shop estimate differs significantly from the insurance payout, you may have some leverage when discussing your claim with your insurance company.
Documentation: Having an estimate from a reputable shop can provide you with important documentation should any issues arise in the future, especially if you sell the car later or if there are any disputes regarding the repair quality.
Considering these points, I’d recommend getting a shop estimate. Even if you ultimately go with the payout and handle repairs yourself, having that estimate can help you make more informed decisions and potentially save you money and headaches down the line.