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Stl-986 · 08-23-2021, 03:18 PM

It really comes down to the other guys insurance. They want out of it as cheap as possible & legal. I have seen these cars get totaled out cause of a cut top. You always have the legal method as well. When it comes down to it, it is just $. Unless there are receipts for work that increase it's value from a paper/legal perspective, they go by book values & what it would cost to repair. They will absolutely low ball you, but that doesnt mean you have to take it. Do everything in writing and if they do a phone call, expect it to be recorded (not all states require consent for this). Dont provide any information other then yes/no type of questions, state it was their clients fault, etc. If you dont like their offer, get an estimate on the repair, and here is a hint, get an estimate from the Dealer not a 3rd party shop. You want the highest estimate possible. If they agree to repair, dont sign anything until the repair is completed and you are satisfied. Just cause their estimate is one thing doesn't mean the shop wont find more damage, which then they are on the hook for. This is typical of body repairs.

Of course, in your state you will have laws that protect you and they vary state to state. In the end if you really dont like what they are offering and you want your car fixed then talk to a lawyer, pay a small retainer and ask them to just send a letter that you are represented...and send it to the person AND the insurance company. This is usually enough to get them to pony up the money or the repair. Lawyer will know how to make it vague enough that if things aren't right you will be forced to go to court and if you do, you sue the person not the insurance company. When that happens the insurance company is required to provide their client with a lawyer. By this time the person who hit the car is yelling at the insurance company so they will want to settle before it gets further. with no human damage it's easier to just tell you to get it repaired and have the shop contact them for the bill, but add in things like time off work (keep written logs), rental car, etc.

08-23-2021, 03:18 PM	#17
Stl-986 Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 1,180	It really comes down to the other guys insurance. They want out of it as cheap as possible & legal. I have seen these cars get totaled out cause of a cut top. You always have the legal method as well. When it comes down to it, it is just $. Unless there are receipts for work that increase it's value from a paper/legal perspective, they go by book values & what it would cost to repair. They will absolutely low ball you, but that doesnt mean you have to take it. Do everything in writing and if they do a phone call, expect it to be recorded (not all states require consent for this). Dont provide any information other then yes/no type of questions, state it was their clients fault, etc. If you dont like their offer, get an estimate on the repair, and here is a hint, get an estimate from the Dealer not a 3rd party shop. You want the highest estimate possible. If they agree to repair, dont sign anything until the repair is completed and you are satisfied. Just cause their estimate is one thing doesn't mean the shop wont find more damage, which then they are on the hook for. This is typical of body repairs. Of course, in your state you will have laws that protect you and they vary state to state. In the end if you really dont like what they are offering and you want your car fixed then talk to a lawyer, pay a small retainer and ask them to just send a letter that you are represented...and send it to the person AND the insurance company. This is usually enough to get them to pony up the money or the repair. Lawyer will know how to make it vague enough that if things aren't right you will be forced to go to court and if you do, you sue the person not the insurance company. When that happens the insurance company is required to provide their client with a lawyer. By this time the person who hit the car is yelling at the insurance company so they will want to settle before it gets further. with no human damage it's easier to just tell you to get it repaired and have the shop contact them for the bill, but add in things like time off work (keep written logs), rental car, etc. __________________ 2000 Boxster Tiptronic 2003 Boxster 2003 996 C2 Cab 2002 996 (SOLD) 1986 944 (gone but missed)