Wrecked Jeep

[MIKE GOLF]

Need some advice and was unsure where to go... . Last week I bought my girlfriend an 02 Jeep wrangler ( couldn't afford another CTD ram) well it happend this morning she got hit, damage seems pretty extensive, the impact snapped the rear end in half and pushed the body tub in about 10 inches on the rear, This is the first time ever dealing with an insurance company any tips for when I make the call on monday? Thanks

 

[dresslered]

Since the vehicle is brand new, I bet they're going to try to fix it (although it sounds pretty bad if you snapped the rear end). I hope your girlfriend is alright! Have her see a doctor as neck injuries can show up years later. Do not close the medical claim! I believe that you can keep it open for up to a year.



Go get three estimates yourself from the most expensive shops that you can find. Tell the shops that you want the work to be perfect and try to get the highest bids to turn into your insurance company (maybe you will get lucky and they will total it). You are permitted to use any (reasonable) shop of your choice. Make sure that the shop is on your side because the insurance company will then try to barter them down resulting in corners being cut. Something always turns up way down the road that you will ultimately get stuck with.

 

[Joe Mc]

Mike,

Hope your girlfriend is OK, ditto with the last post as far as the neck/back injuries get her to a Chiropractor.



As far as dealing with insurance companies, remember this "you pay their salary, they work for you". They tend to forget this and think they are doing you a favor just by letting you buy insurance from them. No offense to anyone but, they are worse than used car dealers. Also like the previous post "find the 3 most expensive shops" and "let them know you want all parts, body panels etc that need to be replaced purchased from the dealer. Not some aftermarket joint. Tell them you must have all the receipts and will not accept "it got lost", etc. or other B/S excuses. Make no deals with them on the deductable, as soon as you do they will cut corners and then they have something over you with your insurance company.



Usually rule of thumb is they will repair the vehicle if the repair cost is less than 80% of the vehicle worth. If it is to be repaired make sure the shop knows you want to be informed of the first visit the adjuster makes and you want to be there. Also any return visits the adjuster has to make. Make sure the adjuster and the shop realize you are the boss and pay their salary (of course in a nice way, you get more with sugar than you do with vinegar). Last thing DO NOT take it to any shop your insurance company recommends. Take it to the dealer you purchased it from rathre than one they recommend.



I've had to deal with insurance companies a few times They're not sharks they're killer whales. Also, I've worked in auto body shops. Adjusters and shop owners usually know each other be careful. Look for a shop that wants to earn you as a long term customer. Not just one interested in the quick buck. Ask for references, ask to see pictures from start to finish from other wrecks.



Good luck!



Joe Mc

 

[dresslered]

Amen!



I carry more insurance than most people I know. The only two incidents that I have had (one of mine and one of my wife's) involved an uninsured motorist hitting each one of us. This should have been a no-brainer! However, on both occasions, the insurance company’s tried to give us the cheapest fix using remanufactured parts, etc. I had to fight with them for months until they finally gave in. In fact, I purchased all the parts myself from the dealer and supplied the auto body shop with them so that I was assured that they were genuine. In the end, I cancelled with each of the insurance companies (they ended up loosing a great customer which carried auto insurance [seven vehicles], home insurance and an umbrella policy). I have never tried to barter with the insurance companies when the premium arrives in the mail, but they will definitely try to barter with you when it comes to the fix. Make sure that your quote includes outside shop alignment, rust proofing, headlight alignment and anything else that you can think of. Also, I do not allow bondo to be used. The vehicle didn’t have it to begin with, so replace the entire panel! I would push for the vehicle being totaled if at all possible.

 

[DEZLPWR]

I second the chiroquacker, I mean chiropractor

The chiroquacker will fix her right up after 50-100 visits!