The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop How to get maximum insurance appraisal?

Got my '66 panel sideswiped by an Allstate insured driver a couple of months ago. Damaged LF fender and L door bad enough to need replacement, and section behind door needs extensive work. Took to Allstate body shop, they could not find parts, I bought a used door, then Allstate sent out their appraiser and came back with $1300 offer.
How do I get maximum money from them?

It's unlikely you will have the appraisal raised. The insurance companies USED to have you get at least two bids for the work, and they would pay based on that. However, there was rampant fraud based on that system. So now they imploy there "OWN" adjusters, who estimate the cost of repairs. If additional damage is uncovered during repair, they will usually make allowances to the estimate. The unfortunate thing is that they base their repair estimate on the absolute cheapest repair parts. You may be able to raise their estimate if you insist on better quality replacement parts (ie. GM OEM parts).

If they are like most insurance companies it is worth money for them to simply get the claim closed. It may be worth while to do some homework and provide them with your number to begin negotiations with. If all else fails, let them know that you need to have any settlement run past your lawyer first. What ever you do, do not sign anything unless you are completely happy with the repairs, etc.... Ultimately, they are responsible for repairing your car back to the condition it was prior to the accident. Don't forget that. It seems simple, but they are well trained to get you to think otherwise and take a low ball settlement. Never never take the first offer.