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Ranting on the Auto Industry

Three weeks ago our mini-van was involved in a wreck. I had the misfortune of being behind the wheel. My two sons where in the seat next to the door that received the most damage. The emotional trauma that I experienced then was rough. I’ve made a point of keeping my kids out of all the smaller vehicles that we own and I’ve started the process of selling them all.

The emotional trauma that I’m currently experiencing is SO MUCH MORE. I’m not dealing with my insurance company because the entire fault lies with the other party. I am dealing with a body shop and dealership that I have worked with in the past. And I made the ULTIMATE in consumer mistakes. I trusted those people and skipped protocol.

My journey began the day after the wreck. I started at a rental company (because I knew we would have to have a family sized vehicle to replace the wrecked mini-van). My goal was to stop at three body shops to get estimates. The first one is the one that I’m now dealing with because it was the only one that I got.

All of the mess that I’m going through now could have been avoided if I had done what I know to do.

Tips for Dealing with Insurance

1. Always get more than one estimate – not only for the purpose of proof but for your own comfort. Three companies have estimates that are similar and that include all the same components then you will feel more confident in the repairs no matter who made those repairs.

2. Never get partial estimates. In our case, the sliding door was too damaged to open. The estimate I first got was for the damage that could be seen before the door was open. That’s the one the insurance company used to base their estimate.

3. Write down EVERYTHING! Keep a record of everything that is said and every one that says it. Take pictures. Be present for every inspection or estimate. Keep it all in a file so that you can easily access the information.

4. Know your rights. Find out what your legal rights are and what the ordinary and customary rights are as well.

An accident is an accident and is not the time to get greedy, but that works both ways. The insurance company, the body shops and anyone else involved needs to be straight and honest. You can protect your rights and assets by knowing what you are due and how to go about collecting.

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