Teggy got rear ended, how should I proceed with insurance payout?

[ken_teggy88]

I know this isn't the right place to ask about insurance/payout; however, I don't trust Reddit because there are some hidden employees advocating for what's best for their industry. I got rear-ended by a State Farm customer, and I'm given the option to perform a photo estimate or bring it to their approved shop. Which is the best option for me to avoid getting low-balled?

Also, planning to go with an aftermarket rear diffuser. Does anyone have some rear diffuser suggestions?

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[bisquick]

Take it to a highly rated, qualified repair shop to maximize your estimate.

 

[SocalDE5]

Did you do the jingle?

Like a good neighbor
State farm is there

Take it to the dealer when it is not your money.

 

[acurax]

The photo option is most likely to result in a lower estimate than an in-person estimate and until they complete disassembly there's likely to be some additions.

Where you take it is really up to you and though I understand reservations against engaging your insurance company they should be on your side when it comes to ensuring it is repaired correctly and you are made whole. They can deal w/ State Farm on your behalf so that you don't get forced to accept something you shouldn't.

That said, I think State Farm usually has reputable shops, just check the reviews, with a grain of salt. If your dealer has their own shop, or one they work with, I would expect good results there unless you've previously encountered issues with them for other services. Otherwise, use your best judgement and always review verified before & after photos if available.

 

[Gremlin85]

I work in insurance (auto + home claims), licensed in MA. We’re kind of the black sheep when it comes to insurance regulations, but the claim process is basically the same everywhere, so here’s how it typically works.

"Low-balled" is not really the best way to explain what happens with intial estimates, especially photo estimates. Your best move is to ask State Farm to send an in-person appraiser instead of relying on a photo estimate or just going to their preferred shop.

A few things to know:

• Initial estimates are always low. They’re not meant to be the final cost — just enough to get the claim moving so a shop can start teardown.
• Once the shop takes the bumper off and checks underneath, they send in a supplement. This is totally normal. That’s where the real numbers come from: hidden damage, labor, parts, etc. That’s when the estimate gets corrected.
• The field appraisers State Farm sends out usually look at a ton of cars a day and write basic starting estimates. The body shop is the one that digs into the actual repair costs.
• Go to a shop you trust (it doesn’t have to be their preferred one) and sign a Direction to Pay form so the shop gets paid directly. That keeps you out of the middle.
  
  Lowball estimates mostly cause issues for people trying to take the money and not repair the car. If you intend to fix it, the supplement process protects you.

TL;DR: Get the in-person appraisal, pick your own shop, let the shop handle supplements.


P.S. Don't involve your own insurance unless absolutely necessary - I.E. If the at-fault party doens't have enough coverage for your damages. The way insurance companies rate their policies these days, its not just the car, location, driving record and amount of coverage you purchased, but also HOW you use your insurance. Some companies are increasing rates even if you're not at fault because you claimed through your own insurance and used their resources and expenses to pay and handle your claim. They don't always get everything back when billing the other insurance company (subrogation) and the loss falls onto the rates. Insurance companies battle things like this out behind the scense all the time and it can last months to years before some subrogations are settled.

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