What to Do When Insurance Falls Short on Repairs
I’m located in Georgia and recently had an accident where I was not at fault, which is backed up by a police report and dashcam footage. I filed a claim with my insurance and took my vehicle to a repair shop they recommended.
I sustained front-end damage because the other driver made an illegal U-turn into my path. After the repairs were completed, I noticed the alignment of the fender lines with the hood isn’t quite right, and now it requires substantial force to close the hood properly.
The insurance adjuster insists that these issues are not related to the accident, stating that the damage only occurred on the front passenger side. Interestingly, they did approve repairs for some damage on the driver side of the hood.
If the insurance company continues to deny full repairs to restore my vehicle to its pre-accident condition, what are my options?
Thank you for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds frustrating. Here are some steps you can take if your insurance isn’t completing your repairs as needed:
Review Your Policy: Start by reviewing your insurance policy to understand what is covered and the claims process. Make sure you’re aware of any terms that relate to repairs and coverage for full restoration.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all correspondence with your insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and notes from conversations. Take pictures of the damage and repairs that you feel are inadequate. This documentation can be useful if you need to escalate your claim.
Get a Second Opinion: Consider taking your vehicle to another repair shop for an independent assessment. They can provide a professional opinion on whether the repairs were done properly and if there are any additional issues that need to be addressed.
Communicate with Your Insurance: Contact your insurance adjuster and explain your concerns clearly. Present the evidence you’ve gathered, such as photographs of the repair issues and the second opinion from another shop. Ask them to reevaluate the claim considering this information.
File a Formal Complaint: If your insurance company still refuses to address the issues, you can file a formal complaint with the Georgia Department of Insurance. They can assist you with mediation and might help facilitate a resolution.
Consider Legal Action: If the situation doesn’t resolve, you may need to consult an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide guidance on whether legal action is an appropriate step and represent your interests.
Small Claims Court: If the damages are not substantial enough for a lawyer, you might consider taking your case to small claims court, where you can represent yourself and seek compensation for the remaining costs of repairs.
Explore Other Resources: Look into consumer protection agencies or auto repair advocacy groups that can provide additional guidance and support in handling disputes with insurance companies.
Act promptly, as there may be time limits associated with claims or disputes. Good luck!