State Farm Auto Estimates – Seeking Clarity on Status
I was rear-ended at high speed by a State Farm driver, who is taking full responsibility for the accident.
I received a message stating, “The appraiser has completed your estimate. Once you receive your payment, you’ll need to pay the repair shop of your choice directly.” The estimate lists the repairs at $6,152 and includes an itemized PDF report completed by a staff appraiser.
Does this confirm that they are approving the repairs? I noticed that the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV), which I assume is determined by their algorithm.
Also, I know this may sound strange, but the thought of getting back into that car – considering my last memory is of being hit at a red light by a vehicle traveling 45-50 mph – causes me significant anxiety. Would I be able to simply transfer the title and use the payout to purchase a used car instead?
I won’t go into the details of my injuries, as my main focus is on understanding the claims process regarding the estimate.
I’m sorry to hear about your accident; that sounds like a really difficult situation. Based on what you’ve shared regarding the State Farm estimate, it sounds like they have completed the appraisal process and have provided you with a repair estimate of $6,152, which they have deemed as necessary for your vehicle’s repairs. Since State Farm has assumed 100% liability, they should cover these costs, assuming that is consistent with the terms of your policy and the other party’s insurance coverage.
It’s understandable to feel anxious about returning to that vehicle, considering your experience. If you’re uncomfortable repairing the car and would prefer to sell it instead, you can certainly choose to do that. You can discuss the option of surrendering the title with State Farm, and they may provide you with the cash value of the vehicle rather than going through with the repairs.
Make sure to communicate this decision with them directly to understand how it will affect your claim and what steps you need to take. It might also be helpful to ask about the process for obtaining a payout versus repairing the car to ensure you’re making the best decision for your situation. Take care of yourself, and I hope you find a solution that helps ease your anxiety moving forward.