VEHICLE DAMAGE / AUTO REPAIR AFTER ACCIDENT: Don’t assume that any insurance company, even your own, will act in your best interest when negotiating a property damage claim. An insurance company has one goal, to minimize their payout and close the file. Remember, your insurance company does not act as an advocate to pursue the maximum from the responsible party on your behalf. Document damage to all property, including locating and providing receipts and photographing and collecting physical remnants of all damaged items.

If your vehicle is in a tow yard, storage fees are being incurred daily. Ultimately, you are responsible if the insurance carrier does not respond promptly. Request that they move the vehicle out of the tow yard as soon as possible.

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, you have a right to reimbursement of the current market value of your vehicle. Once an offer is made, if you are not satisfied, you can often negotiate with the insurance company for a better offer.

It is important that the insurance carrier have all pertinent information regarding your vehicle for you to obtain the highest reimbursement. Provide all of the maintenance receipts for work done on the vehicle.

In situations where your vehicle is repairable, you have the right to have the car repaired at a shop of your choosing. NO INSURANCE COMPANY MAY DICTATE WHERE YOU TAKE YOUR CAR. Make sure that the body shop is using parts approved by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

You are also entitled to loss of use damages while your vehicle is being evaluated or repaired. Insurance carriers often do not volunteer this information. This reimbursement can be in the form of rental reimbursement or cash.

No-Cost Review of Your Claim

At Moore Faust Injury Law Group, we will in most cases handle your property damage claim without charge if we accept your personal injury case. Call us today for a free consultation if you have been injured due to another’s negligence to see what we can do for you.