Who Should I Trust: My Car Insurance Company or My Mechanic?
Hey everyone, I need some advice. On Monday morning, I was 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 took full responsibility, and the insurance company has confirmed he is liable. Unfortunately, my car is the only one that isn’t drivable, and it was towed to a mechanic’s shop that I had no choice in (the officer arranged it).
Now, 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 different yard without storage fees.
I went to the yard to check on my car, and the mechanic advised me against signing the release. He said that once the insurance company has control of the vehicle, they often make lowball offers, and he usually helps adjusters assess the cars to ensure a fair estimate. Both of us suspect my car will be totaled.
After our conversation, I called the insurance company, and the representative told me that they don’t send adjusters to that specific yard. If I want my car to stay there, I’ll have to pay for any storage fees out of pocket and wait a few weeks for an adjuster to come.
I went back to the mechanic and explained what I had learned. He then called his “adjuster” in front of me and laughed at what I was told. He insisted I should inform the insurance company that I want my car inspected there and reiterated that I shouldn’t sign the release because he’ll be at that shop on Friday to assess another vehicle.
I know I have the right to have my car inspected wherever I choose, but the conflicting information from both sides is confusing. As a 27-year-old who has never dealt with an accident before, I’m not sure who to believe or if someone is trying to take advantage of me. Any guidance would be appreciated!
It sounds like a really stressful situation, especially since it’s your first accident. Here are a few points to consider that might help clarify things:
Trust but verify: Both the mechanic and the insurance company have valid points, but their interests may not always align. The mechanic may want to ensure you get a fair assessment of your car’s damage, while the insurance company is likely looking to minimize costs.
Your rights: You’re correct that you typically have the right to choose where your car is inspected. Make sure you mention this to the insurance company clearly when you communicate with them.
Storage fees: Since the insurance company is willing to move your car to a yard without storage fees, it might be worth considering. However, if the mechanic believes they will provide a more accurate estimate at his location, you’ll need to weigh the potential fees against the risk of getting a lower or unfair settlement.
Get everything in writing: If you decide to go with the mechanic’s advice, it’s helpful to get any agreements or discussions in writing. This can serve as documentation later on.
Consult another expert: If you’re still unsure, it might be worth consulting a third party, such as an auto body shop or another mechanic, for a second opinion.
Time is of the essence: Consider how quickly you want to resolve the situation. If storage fees start piling up and you think delaying an inspection could result in larger costs, you may need to make a decision soon.
In the end, trust your instincts and do what feels right for you. You can also look for reviews or recommendations for mechanics in your area; sometimes having a community recommendation can help solidify your choice. Good luck!