Was rear ended. Need help with options (Houston, Newton: attorney, home)

[graygray]

I had very bad experience when I had to deal with the other side, but after called the dealer, got the feeling that the insurance companies treat the insurance claimers the same, no matter you are at fault or not, they just tend to repair your cars at the minimum cost

Originally Posted by CptnRn

In regard to fixing the car, I don't know of any reason you would want to get involved in dealing directly with the other party, I see no advantage in that to you, just let your insurance company deal with it. That is the way we have dealt with it and it has worked fine. You mentioned hospital, so if there is bodily injury issues, that might be a different matter, but I would try to work through your own insurance company first.

My wife was injured in an automobile accident, where it was the other persons fault. We did experience some difficulty getting some medical bills paid, so my wife consulted with an attorney who coached her on what to write in a few letters, which did result in a satisfactory settlement.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by EzPeterson

Farmers will set up your repair and rental through one of their drive-in shops. No point in going through Geico.

I have a completely different viewpoint. Your insurance company has a customer - you. Farmers has a customer - the person that hit you. Farmers is interested in satisfying their legal obligation, at the lowest possible cost. That might not include satisfying you, as you are not their customer. It might, but it might not.

I'd file with my company, then let them get the money out of Farmers. They have battalions of attorneys to fight Farmers, if it comes to that. The downside is, until your company gets paid, you are out your deductible.

n.b. - my advice might be clouded by forty years with the company rated #1 for customer service. It may very well be that Farmer's could treat you better than Geico. If you find that, then I wouldn't renew with Geico.

[North Beach Person]

The times that one of my cars has been involved in a non-at fault accident I've always notified my insurance. Mostly to get a record going in case the other party's insurance refuses to cover the accident, tries to low ball the damages or if (in one case with my oldest son) the insurance coverage doesn't exist.

A non-fault accident should not under any circumstances count against your policy. That is one misbelief a lot of people have. Just because you make a claim through your insurance doesn't mean it goes against your record.

If it does then you need to contact your state's Insurance Commission.

[graygray]

My first thought was to let the professionals deal with the hassle and my car should get fixed perfectly since it is not my fault, but it turned out my insurance doesn't provide me that level of freedom, instead, they have a list of designated shops, which makes me wonder if they will repair my car with cheap parts or new parts

Originally Posted by CptnRn

In regard to fixing the car, I don't know of any reason you would want to get involved in dealing directly with the other party, I see no advantage in that to you, just let your insurance company deal with it. That is the way we have dealt with it and it has worked fine. You mentioned hospital, so if there is bodily injury issues, that might be a different matter, but I would try to work through your own insurance company first.

My wife was injured in an automobile accident, where it was the other persons fault. We did experience some difficulty getting some medical bills paid, so my wife consulted with an attorney who coached her on what to write in a few letters, which did result in a satisfactory settlement.

[graygray]

It is a bright side to getting my own insurance involved, so I don't have to wait for responses from the other party which it not supposed to be in my favor.

Originally Posted by AustinGuy

My car was totaled and the other person was at fault -- they crossed the double yellow line and slammed into me head on. Anyhow, they had very slow insurance, so I claimed through my own insurance so I could get the situation resolved quickly, and my insurance is going after their insurance for repayment.

I'm still waiting to get my deductible back (going on 6 months now).

[graygray]

I haven't checked the details. Thanks for reminding.

Originally Posted by Moonlady

Yes, but does your insurance company just pay the claim or do they go after the other guy's insurance? Mine only pays the claim, so if I don't want it to count against me, I file the claim with the other party.

Twice I was hit and it was the other driver's fault and in both cases, I went straight to their insurance. The one time it was my fault, the person I rear-ended filed a claim against my insurance. So, I'm just curious how it is supposed to work.

[graygray]

Would you mind sending me the name of the collision shop you went to?

Originally Posted by Idlewile

I can't imagine having to contact the other insurance company and do the footwork myself -- that's WHY, in part, we pay for auto insurance in the first place. No one pays me to be a claims agent.

Been hit twice in three years, both to the front end, entirely the other drivers' fault both times. Needed the entire bumper, lights and grill replaced both times, and a lot of internal engine work the first time (box truck reversed into the front of my car, onto my hood.) Got to pick where I took my car, both times, from a long list of collision shops already rated top in the city.

Both times my car was back to me in perfect condition two-three weeks from date of the accident and all claims and transactions finalized. Just had to return the rental car my insurance company provided to me, free of charge, and then they rental car agency drove me directly to the shop to get my car.

I would expect nothing less when it comes to auto insurance claims.

[Idlewile]

Originally Posted by scm53

my advice might be clouded by forty years with the company rated #1 for customer service. It may very well be that Farmer's could treat you better than Geico.

Amen and I agree; we are insured by USAA too.

[graygray]

Isn't it only for military members and their families?

Originally Posted by Idlewile

Amen and I agree; we are insured by USAA too.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by graygray

My first thought was to let the professionals deal with the hassle and my car should get fixed perfectly since it is not my fault, but it turned out my insurance doesn't provide me that level of freedom, instead, they have a list of designated shops, which makes me wonder if they will repair my car with cheap parts or new parts

Where are you? I ask because, while many insurance companies have preferred shops, most states specify that you can take the car anywhere to be fixed.

Be aware that many times an insurance company will push for used parts on a car much older than 2 or 3 years old. One accident (a rear ending) my daughter had the other company pushed for that. With the body shop's help we pushed back and got the new part (rear bumper). Unfortunately, 3 weeks after we got the car back it was in a roll over accident (daughter was listed as at fault even though there was evidence on the front fender that supported her claim of another car cutting her off which caused her to go off the road) and totaled.