by jhat17 » Wed Nov 16, 2011 12:11 am
After almost two months, I finally got my car back from the repair shop. The car needed body work and fuel pump replaced. I have noticed since getting it back that it occasionally shakes when idling and makes a grinding noise when stopped/braked at a stop light. It wasn't doing these things before the accident. Its only been a couple of days since we got it back, should I call the insurance and let them know, so that it is on record? It doesn't do the shaking or make the noise constantly, but if it is part of the damage from the accident I don't want to get stuck with a repair bill down the line. Not sure how to handle this, since it does drive, just not like before. Thanks
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:24 am Post Subject:
An expert would be able to guide you better.
As far as I think, you should immediately inform your insurer about the problem as well as inquire the body shop about it.
Make sure the repairs were done properly before you drive your car extensively, as it might further damage your car.
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 04:44 am Post Subject:
I would return the vehicle to the repair shop for inspection. If not satisfied with the result, contact the insurance company. Did you select the repair shop or did the insurance company send you there?
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 04:49 am Post Subject:
I selected the body shop. Once it was towed to the body shop, I wasn't told or asked about any of the repairs, so the insurance company sent it to a local dealership for the mechanical repairs without my knowledge. The body work is fine, I'm concerned about mechanical issues that may have been missed.
All the work was coordinated between the insurance company and the body shop, the insurance company even sent the check for the mechanical work to the body shop and they paid the dealership that fixed the fuel pump. So I guess I need to call State Farm and find out if I should take it back to the dealership now, or if I can choose my own mechanic at this point - I would never choose the dealership they used.
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 08:30 am Post Subject:
Talk to the body shop and see if they are willing to resolve the matter to your satisfaction. If not, then contact the insurance company.
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 05:34 am Post Subject:
take it back to the repair shop that fixed it. if they cant solve the issue, contact your insurance agent
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 12:00 pm Post Subject:
contact your insurance agent
Don't waste time talking to your agent. They have no authority to deal with claims, and will simply refer you to the insurance company. So skip the delay and go directly to the insurer . . . if you cannot resolve the issue with the body shop first.
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 12:22 am Post Subject:
Hopefully you will not wind up being tossed around like a hot potato like many vehicle owners do. The adjuster claims the insurer will not pay for it unless you can prove it was caused from the accident. The shop, (in fear of retribution from an insurer) may not choose to get in the middle and become the hot potato. They may claim we have done all the insurer paid us to do. You will then find out if the shop will serve as your advocate or servant to the insurer. You may have to hire your own contractor that will have the tenacity and ability to attribute the probability of the vehicle problem to the accident. What works for the insurer should work for you. Tell them to prove to you that it was not attributed to the accident if you find a mechanic that believes it may be. An insurer simply can not say we don't pay for something unless they specify in the policy that there is an exclusion for the basis of not indemnifying a policy holder or for the liability of paying for the negligence of their insured for which they are fully and legally liable.
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