Car Damaged by Contractors – Insurance Claim in Progress
Hi everyone,
Last year, my vehicle sustained damage caused by contractors, and I’m currently in the process of settling a claim with their insurance. My own vehicle insurance is aware of the situation, but they are not involved in this particular claim since the car is fully paid off.
I have a question: when the appraiser submits their estimate to the insurance, am I allowed to request a check for the amount instead of having the payment go directly to the repair shop? I’m uncertain about whether I want to go ahead with the repairs since the damage is mostly cosmetic.
Any guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a unique situation with your vehicle. Generally, when dealing with insurance claims, the insurance company may prefer to pay the repair shop directly to ensure that the funds are used for repairs. However, many insurers are open to alternative arrangements, especially since the damage is cosmetic and you’re uncertain about moving forward with repairs.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Review Your Policy: Check if there’s any specific language regarding how claims payouts are handled. Some policies might have clauses regarding direct payments to repair shops.
Talk to the Adjuster: When the appraiser provides their estimate, discuss your preference for receiving a check directly. Be clear about your reasons for wanting to handle it this way, and emphasize that you’re considering not going through with the repairs.
Negotiate: If the adjuster is hesitant to provide a check directly to you, see if you can negotiate. Sometimes, demonstrating that you are not planning to use the funds for repairs can help.
Documentation: Ensure that all communications are documented. If you reach an agreement, keep a copy of any correspondence regarding how the claim will be paid out.
Ultimately, while many companies prefer to pay repair shops directly, there are instances where they might allow for a check to be issued to you, especially if the damage is purely cosmetic. Good luck, and I hope you get the outcome you’re looking for!