What to Do If Your Insurance Doesn’t Fully Repair Your Vehicle
I experienced an accident in Georgia where I was not at fault, and I have both a police report and dashcam footage to support this. I went through my insurance to get the necessary repairs done and chose the repair shop they recommended.
The damage was primarily to the front of my vehicle, as the other driver made an illegal U-turn right into me. However, after the repairs were completed, I noticed that the alignment of the fender lines with the hood is off, and the hood now requires significant force to close properly.
The insurance adjuster claims that these issues are not related to the accident, asserting that the only damage occurred on the front passenger side, even though repairs were made to the driver side of the hood.
If the insurance continues to refuse to complete the repairs to restore my vehicle to its pre-accident condition, what options do I have?
Thank you for your guidance!
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Here are some steps you can consider taking to address the situation with your insurance company and repairs:
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company, the repair shop, and any other relevant parties. Take photos of the damage and the repairs that were done. Make sure to document the issues you’re facing with the hood and fender alignment.
Get a Second Opinion: Consider taking your vehicle to another reputable repair shop for a second opinion. They can assess the quality of the repair and provide a professional opinion on whether the current repairs are adequate or if further repairs are needed.
Contact Your Insurance Adjuster Again: Reach out to your insurance adjuster and present the evidence you’ve gathered, including the second opinion. Make it clear that you expect them to fulfill their obligation to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Request a Re-inspection: If the adjuster maintains their position, request a re-inspection of your vehicle. Sometimes, having another adjuster or an independent adjuster come out to evaluate the repairs can help.
File a Complaint: If you’re still not satisfied after attempting resolution, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Insurance. They can investigate your case and may help facilitate a resolution.
Consider Mediation or Arbitration: Some insurance policies have provisions for mediation or arbitration if there is a dispute about the claim. Check your policy to see if this is an option.
Consult an Attorney: If the issue remains unresolved, you might want to consult an attorney who specializes in insurance claims and consumer rights. They can provide legal advice specifically tailored to your situation and help you understand your rights.
Small Claims Court: If all else fails, you may consider filing a claim in small claims court for any additional repair costs you incur due to their refusal to properly complete the repairs.
Each case is unique, so it’s important to choose the steps that best fit your situation. Good luck!