I’m having a tough time getting a repair quote for our utility trailer after it was rear-ended. I’ve reached out to every welding shop in town, but no one is willing to provide an estimate for the damage to the steel gate and frame. One shop met with me and wrote up a quote, but the adjuster won’t accept it since it’s handwritten; they require an “itemized line estimate,” which the shop doesn’t offer. I’m at a loss for what to do next, and I’ve already invested so much time in this. Any advice would be appreciated!
Someone rear ended our utility trailer – can’t find ANYONE to give me a quote for repairs.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds incredibly frustrating. Here are a few steps you might consider:
Get Creative with Your Search: Beyond just welding shops, try reaching out to body shops, metal fabrication businesses, or even local contractors who might have the ability to provide an itemized quote. Sometimes, businesses that primarily work with different materials can also help with metalwork.
Ask for Recommendations: If you have any friends or family in the area, see if they can recommend any reliable businesses. Personal referrals can sometimes lead to unexpected options.
Consider Online Resources: Websites like Angie’s List or Yelp might help you find a wider range of services.
Communicate with Your Adjuster: Explain your situation to the insurance adjuster, including the difficulty you’ve faced in obtaining an itemized estimate. They may have suggestions or alternative processes they can consider.
Get a General Estimate: If all else fails, you could ask one of the welding shops to provide a rough estimate based on similar jobs they’ve done in the past. Even though it’s not itemized, it might be enough for the adjuster to start a discussion.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your attempts to get a quote, including who you spoke with, and what they said. This can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue with your insurance company.
Hang in there, and I hope you find a solution soon!