A repair estimate comes from your insurance company after an accident. It’ll give you an idea of the time and cost of repairing your car. Insurers often keep this amount as low as possible to protect themselves, but you can fight against this.
Insurers not paying for all parts of repairs is becoming an increasingly serious issue. A report from Collision Advice and the CRASH Network found that only 36% of repair shops are paid for all or most safety inspections.
The problem can even lead to you losing your car entirely. According to CarScoops, cars are around 42% more likely to be considered totaled by insurance companies after an accident than they were five years ago. Taking the first repair estimate can often lead to this problem.
What Should a Repair Estimate Consist Of?
An estimate of repairs is based on a detailed process that looks at everything. This includes a:
- Damage assessment
- Parts list
- Repairs procedures
- Total costs
That allows for the next step of the process. The assessment outlines all necessary items and the time required to restore your vehicle. This includes:
- Parts
- Repairs
- Labor
- Diagnostic fees
- Taxes
Why First Estimates are Low
One of the major insurance company biases leading to low estimates is cost control. They’re always working primarily for the insurance company to ensure they pay out as little as possible.
There could also be a lack of detail in the estimate. Important areas of damage may be missed. This is especially prevalent in virtual estimates where the adjusters don’t even see the car in person.
Outdated pricing or poor inflation accounting are other issues. Insurers could use a generalized formula for wear and tear that may not apply to a car that’s barely been driven.
Offering a claim that’s too low is among the many potential bad-faith insurance tactics. Others include:
- Delaying claims
- Not completing a full investigation
- Not paying valid claims
- Distorting policy language to confuse you and deny claims
- Threatening statements or implying harsh legal action
What Is a Reasonable Settlement Offer?
Trusting insurance estimates to give you the right offer the first time is unwise. Start calculating your insurance claim to determine what to expect.
The more types of insurance you have and the better you know your policy, the better protected you’ll be. Make sure you have protections such as:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
- Personal injury liability (PIP)
- Collision coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured coverage
Another necessary step in all repair estimate guides is to calculate your car’s value. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your repair estimate is fair. Look at your vehicle’s:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Mileage
- Wear and tear
Then, you can start determining if you’ve got a fair settlement offer for the accident. Determine the full extent of damage. That includes:
- Immediate injuries
- Long-term costs
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
What If Repairs Cost More Than An Insurance Estimate?
Getting an accurate assessment is about more than numbers. If it doesn’t cover all the necessary repairs to your vehicle, you may end up paying the difference. The repairs may also be incomplete, making it unsafe to drive.
What Should You Do After Insurance Gives You an Estimate?
Accepting a low estimate is one of the easiest insurance repair pitfalls. Get another estimate to compare it with. Hire legal representation for your claim.
Get an Estimate or Reinspection
One of the best ways to get accurate repair assessments is to get more than one. Reach out to your mechanic for an estimate. Compare all the information you have to look for any discrepancies.
Hire an Attorney
An attorney can be a lifeline in the negotiating room or the courtroom. However, insurance companies don’t want you hiring them.
They want you to accept a quick, low settlement. You’re less likely to do so with a lawyer helping you through the process and explaining why the early offers aren’t worth your time.
If you don’t have representation, insurance companies have more time to come up with a settlement. This is especially true if you’re working with more than one insurance company at a time.
Insurers may try other ways to steer you away from an attorney. They may claim it won’t increase your final settlement or that you’ll pay too much in legal fees to make it worthwhile.
None of these statements rings true if you find the right lawyer. They’ll steer the case in the right direction to get you the settlement you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Insurance Companies Prefer to Settle?
Yes. It helps them avoid the time and money of a trial. According to The Law Dictionary, only around one in 20 personal injury cases go to trial.
Most cases today are settled out of court. That doesn’t mean you have to agree to less than what your case is worth.
What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Beware of insurance adjusters in the beginning process of your claim. Don’t give a recorded statement, even if they say they legally need one.
The most important statements to avoid are anything that admits fault or liability. Don’t include any opinions on who you think is at fault. That can shift blame and lower your settlement.
How Can I Convince an Insurance Adjuster?
When you are negotiating with insurance adjusters, focus on the facts of the case as they happened. It’s important to gather evidence at the accident scene, such as photos or witness statements. They’ll help support your side and convince the adjuster.
A lawyer can also be your best convincing partner. They know what to say and how to convince even the most stubborn adjusters to give you a fair settlement.
Get Help With Your Car Insurance Claim Today
A repair estimate tells you about the time and money needed to fix your car after an accident. The right lawyer can help you fight back when insurers give you a number that’s much too low.
RHINO Lawyers has over 55 years of legal experience. We have a proven track record of earning maximum compensation, and we don’t get paid unless we win.
Contact us for a free case review today.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
