r3mix3r

Hi guys,

I hope all is well. I'll give a quick run down of what happened...

I was in a parking lot backing out...I was already just about to put it into drive, until I saw a dodge ram just put there reverse lights on...I quickly honked, and honked, and honked, until they just slammed right into me. I went through there insurance since they caused the accident, and they decided it was 50/50 liability, and would only pay HALF. Their insurance was ALL State and they quoted my $1800 worth of damage. Since I didn't want to have to pay $900 out of pocket...I went through my insurance...I got a quote for $2500 worth of damage, and they finally sent me a check in the mail today for $2000...I just have to pay the $500 deductible. I'm really tight on money right now, so I'm holding off on the repair even though it is very bad. My insurance company said they will go after ALL State, and get them to cover 100% or atleast cover my deductible and get it back in a few months.

My real question is...So now that I have a $2k check from my company, am I able to shop around for a shop that will do it for $2k? I went to a good shop in my area and they said $2600...My insurance company gave me a bunch of guaranteed shops to go to, that they cover 100% (if the costs ends up being higher, etc)

Is it smart to shop around looking for a shop to do it for $2k (the amount of the check) or should I suck it up and just pay the $500 and bring it to a GUARANTEED (approved/quality) shop that State Farm (my company) recommends?

Thanks!

jchan2

I would just take the $500 hit and hope State Farm sorts it all out with Allstate.

When my mom's Altima was hit in the high school parking lot, State Farm took care of us (other guy's fault) and put us in touch with the right person at the other guy's insurance (Geico)

They had full liability, so we took the car to the Nissan dealer (State-Farm and Geico approved shop) and the final bill ended up being almost $500 more than the insurance check. Geico paid the whole bill, no questions asked.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately, All State will always say 50% liability in a parking lot, even though it was not your fault. I had the same thing happen to me. Some broad backed into me - and she had AllState.

I wish everyone who works for AllState die in a fire.

dallison

gatr, you are right. Allstate is the shitball of the insurance industry. I never trust their agents. If someone hits you while you are sitting, they are responsible.

r3mix3r

I was not even moving...I was backing out but couldn't move forward yet. She just slams into me, and it's 50/50? At worst it's 75/25...but the worst part is every body shop I've talked to on the phone told me "ALL STATE ALWAYS UNDER ESTIMATES DAMAGE!!"

Brandon24pdx

State Farm or Nationwide are the best IMO. Farmers is great too but their rates are always higher for some reason.

Brandon24pdx

Find the best shop you can to do the repairs, even if you have to pull some money out of your pocket.

baker.doug

+1! Don’t compromise on the quality of the repairs because of car insurance issues. You will be living with this car for a long long time.

v6cord2k5

iTrader: (1)

Take it to a shop within their network. I had to leave my car TWICE at the body shop I picked out within Farmers' approved network. It helped because I had a satisfaction guaranteed and warranty on the work for a year I believe.

Fact of the matter is that some body shops will try to sneak anything past you. You need all the leverage you can get.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

The shop will be governed by the cost of the repairs and if they find any additional work is needed it will be an easy adjustment. I have State Farm, but the problem with State Farm is that there aren't many shops available because of the lifetime guarantee on the repairs, at least in my area. At least they have one shop that is outstanding, no complaints.