Who Should I Trust: The Insurance Company or the Mechanic?
Hey everyone, I need some advice. On Monday morning, I was involved in a three-car accident where I was rear-ended, which pushed my car into the vehicle in front of me. The driver who hit me accepted responsibility, and their insurance has confirmed they are fully liable. Unfortunately, my car is the only one that’s undriveable, and it got towed to a mechanic’s yard that I didn’t choose since the officer arranged it.
Fast forward to today— I received a call from the insurance company asking me to sign a release for my car so they can move it to a yard that doesn’t charge for storage.
I went to the current yard, and the mechanic warned me against signing the release. He mentioned that they typically offer low estimates once they have the vehicle in their own storage and that adjusters usually inspect the car where it is. Both of us suspect that my car will likely be totaled.
After our chat, I called the insurance company, and the representative told me that adjusters don’t visit that specific garage. If I want my car to stay there, I’d have to cover any storage fees myself and wait weeks for an adjuster to come out.
I went back to the mechanic to share this, and he called his adjuster right in front of me. When I explained what the insurance company said, the adjuster laughed and told me to request an inspection there and not to sign the release. He mentioned that he would be at that same shop on Friday for another vehicle.
I’m in New York, and I believe I have the right to have my car inspected at a place of my choosing, but something feels off about both sides of the story. As someone (27) who has never dealt with an accident before, I’m confused about whom to believe and who might be trying to take advantage of the situation. Any guidance would be appreciated!
That sounds like a really frustrating situation, and it’s understandable to feel confused with conflicting information from your mechanic and the insurance company. Here are a few things to consider:
Understand Your Rights: Generally, you do have the right to choose where your vehicle is inspected. Make sure to confirm this with your insurance policy or speak with a consumer protection agency in New York to clarify your rights.
Mechanic’s Perspective: The mechanic may have a vested interest in ensuring they handle the repairs (or total loss process) to maximize their profit. While it’s important to have their insight, you should also remember that their experience may differ from the insurance company’s standard procedures.
Insurance Company Procedures: Insurance companies often have agreements with specific storage yards to manage costs, and they may not be incentivized to keep your vehicle at a yard that charges higher fees. However, they are also obligated to evaluate the damage fairly.
Get Everything in Writing: If you decide to have your car inspected at the current yard, make sure to document all communications with both the mechanic and the insurance company. This can help protect you if there are any disputes later.
Consult with a Third Party: If you’re feeling uncertain, consider consulting with an independent adjuster or another reputable mechanic who can look at the situation without bias. This may help you get a clearer picture of the potential total loss and the best steps forward.
Decision Making: If you trust the mechanic’s opinion and believe he has your best interests at heart, you might choose to follow his advice. However, if you have concerns about that mechanic, look for a second opinion from another reputable mechanic or adjuster.
Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons of both perspectives and make a decision that you feel most comfortable with. It’s important to advocate for yourself during this process, especially if it’s your first accident. Good luck!