I was in an accident with a State Farm insured and State Farm has accepted total liability.
I got estimates from both independent body shops and State Farm "approved" shops. Mine were $3,000-3,200. State Farm's affiliates were $3600 & $3200.
Because of State Farm's policy I could've taken my car to either of their shops with no questions asked, but I chose one of my other shops instead - meaning I had to meet with a State Farm adjuster for an estimate. I was told by my claim team rep to take him BOTH the estimates from State Farm's affiliate shops to be sure he stayed "in the ballpark."
Long story short, I met with the adjuster and he told me his estimate would be "significantly lower" than the State Farm affiliate estimates. He then inspected my vehicle, lectured me about why the affiliate estimates were "inflated" ??? and offered me a check for $2,700 - which I refused. (I could understand if he argued my independent shop estimates, but State Farm's OWN affiliate shops? which their policy states they pay sight unseen?)
He justified his lowball offer by saying he doubted all damage was accident related (which, of course, it WAS). He also left off standard costs associated with repairs he allowed (like wheel mounting and balancing) and then assessed a token betterment penalty of $36 for tire tread. Of course, to make it worse, he included a paragraph allowing repairs using non-OEM parts.
I could understand a betterment penalty & non-OEM parts IF I had a contract with State Farm allowing them... but I don't. I have no choice about replacing my tire and it's not like I can buy a used one that matches my other 3. The OEM parts thing... well... EVERY other estimate I have (from State Farm affiliates and non) specifies OEM parts must be used based on the age and condition of my 2010 Challenger.
The biggest issue, though, is that $2700 won't pay for my repairs, which come to $3,200.
Now State Farm insists I MUST take THEIR lowball estimate to ANY body shop I use. They insist supplemental claims can be filed if additional damage is noted - but only once my vehicle is in the repair shop. Even then, there are no guarantees the damage will be approved.
They've also now made it clear that I can subrogate with my own insurance company (risking the loss of my deductible) or file suit against the insured driver.
Seriously??? Over a few hundred dollars damage? All I want is my car repaired properly and completely - at NO expense to me (nope, not even $36) - by a body shop I select.
I am wondering... could I just have my car repaired at my own expense and then pursue reimbursement? Or does my vehicle need to remain unrepaired in the event I'm forced to file suit? It seems to me that I'd be ahead of the game arguing the actual cost of repairs... and it would prove I wasn't just out to collect extra money to line my pockets... but once my vehicle is fixed I lose all proof of the accident damage....
Are there other options I'm not considering? Does it ever help to file complaints with your State Insurance Commission? The Better Business Bureau? State Farm is an industry giant...
I got estimates from both independent body shops and State Farm "approved" shops. Mine were $3,000-3,200. State Farm's affiliates were $3600 & $3200.
Because of State Farm's policy I could've taken my car to either of their shops with no questions asked, but I chose one of my other shops instead - meaning I had to meet with a State Farm adjuster for an estimate. I was told by my claim team rep to take him BOTH the estimates from State Farm's affiliate shops to be sure he stayed "in the ballpark."
Long story short, I met with the adjuster and he told me his estimate would be "significantly lower" than the State Farm affiliate estimates. He then inspected my vehicle, lectured me about why the affiliate estimates were "inflated" ??? and offered me a check for $2,700 - which I refused. (I could understand if he argued my independent shop estimates, but State Farm's OWN affiliate shops? which their policy states they pay sight unseen?)
He justified his lowball offer by saying he doubted all damage was accident related (which, of course, it WAS). He also left off standard costs associated with repairs he allowed (like wheel mounting and balancing) and then assessed a token betterment penalty of $36 for tire tread. Of course, to make it worse, he included a paragraph allowing repairs using non-OEM parts.
I could understand a betterment penalty & non-OEM parts IF I had a contract with State Farm allowing them... but I don't. I have no choice about replacing my tire and it's not like I can buy a used one that matches my other 3. The OEM parts thing... well... EVERY other estimate I have (from State Farm affiliates and non) specifies OEM parts must be used based on the age and condition of my 2010 Challenger.
The biggest issue, though, is that $2700 won't pay for my repairs, which come to $3,200.
Now State Farm insists I MUST take THEIR lowball estimate to ANY body shop I use. They insist supplemental claims can be filed if additional damage is noted - but only once my vehicle is in the repair shop. Even then, there are no guarantees the damage will be approved.
They've also now made it clear that I can subrogate with my own insurance company (risking the loss of my deductible) or file suit against the insured driver.
Seriously??? Over a few hundred dollars damage? All I want is my car repaired properly and completely - at NO expense to me (nope, not even $36) - by a body shop I select.
I am wondering... could I just have my car repaired at my own expense and then pursue reimbursement? Or does my vehicle need to remain unrepaired in the event I'm forced to file suit? It seems to me that I'd be ahead of the game arguing the actual cost of repairs... and it would prove I wasn't just out to collect extra money to line my pockets... but once my vehicle is fixed I lose all proof of the accident damage....
Are there other options I'm not considering? Does it ever help to file complaints with your State Insurance Commission? The Better Business Bureau? State Farm is an industry giant...
