Car Accident - Insurance Aftermarket Parts

[GodBlessTheUSA]

diminished value

When my lovely wife had her van's rear and driver's quarter damaged it was repaired as no parts required replacement. OK, fine, great. Used a body shop who' owner I knew and trusted. Everything was great.

HOWEVER:

The "diminished value" granted by the insurance co. was only $135 +/-. But if you look up the van it will show an "accident". That reported event cost us much more than $135 when we went to sell the van.

 

[Gunanddoglover]

I have been in the collision industry for 44 years. Been an estimator, production manager, manager, and tech. Most of the time, and presently as a tech. The sad truth is your are screwed. You actually have more say as the insured v being the claimant. The insurance company does not give a damn about you or your vehicle.
What's newish? Over 12 months or 12k miles you're not getting OEM parts. We go back and forth with insurance companies all the time to use OEM parts when the aftermarket parts don't fit properly.
My suggestion is after the repair get diminished value claim using a pro, the insurance company will screw you there as well.
I recommend Dempsey Appraisal. Good people that will take care of you. FYI I get no compensation for recommending them.

https://m.facebook.com/dempseyappraisal/

 

[Gunanddoglover]

I’m curious, how long OP’s cousin can expect before receiving their vehicle back (finished) from today.. and how long can expect a FREE loaner/rental car ? Thanks

I have no idea on repair time, not enough information. For rental coverage as the insured you have x amount of dollars when that runs out rental is on you. As the claimant usually until the repair is completed. These are the short answers without getting into the "What if" scenarios.

 

[rockyfatcat]

I had a suburban that got rear ended by a USAA insured driver. The Suburban had been stopped, not in motion at a light. USAA was all yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ll fix it. Then they wanted to total it and give us almost nothing.

I ended up making a claim against my policy. My insurance company did a great job getting my car fixed. What they settled up for with USAA? No clue.

Don’t be afraid to get your insurance company involved.

 

[basstracker89]

I had a suburban that got rear ended by a USAA insured driver. The Suburban had been stopped, not in motion at a light. USAA was all yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ll fix it. Then they wanted to total it and give us almost nothing.

I ended up making a claim against my policy. My insurance company did a great job getting my car fixed. What they settled up for with USAA? No clue.

Don’t be afraid to get your insurance company involved.

My Dad's ins got involved when he had a wreck at a traffic light. The other person ran a red light and ran out in front of him

 

[Maggiemaeodie]

My wife hit a deer in her new Honda. After market parts were estimated to be used. When the repair guys were ordering parts Honda matched the price and we got OEM. Honda wanted it to look right.

 

[sniper22]

From my Personal experience 2 years ago. My oldest got backed into and we went through a very similar experience. In they end, we argued and the other insurance company deemed it a total loss and we had no say other than if we wanted to fight in court again a multi million dollar firm. Our country has allowed corporations to run over us with "take it or fight it" options. Fix the car then sell it unless they offer you more than you can replace it for.