Insurance Question

Hi all. My 2013 Tacoma was recently clipped by a hit and run driver while parked on a Chicago street. Damage is not severe, however the front bumper, driver side front quarter panel, and driver front wheel have sustained damage. I have filed a police report for the hit and run, but hold no hope that the perpetrator will be caught; Chicago Police simply have more important things to do than chase down hit and run drivers. I have insurance but have never made a claim so I am entering new territory and have several questions I am hoping some members can answer before I talk to Geico.

I have been considering getting an aftermarket bumper installed, and this seems like the perfect time to do so. With a $500 deductible and other damage to the quarter panel and wheel, how will this be handled by the insurance company? Will they reimburse for the amount of a factory replacement bumper, quarter panel, and wheel minus the deductible and leave the aftermarket bumper up to me?

I have been looking at the ARB bumper and ShrockWork bumpers for quite some time. Any opinions on either of these bumpers?

Ryan

 

Might depend on the insurance, but yes, that's how I would expect it to work.

I once made two claims for damage at once. One for some dents from a deer on the driver's side, which happened about 3 weeks after buying the truck brand new, and one for a long key mark on the other side about 5 months after buying the truck.

Since it was from two separate incidents, I incurred a deductible on both sides. So they determined what the cost of damage was for each side, subtracted my $500 deductible, and gave me a check for the remainder.

Shortly after I was stationed in Korea. Looked into getting at least the key mark fixed when I got home, but never did. They wanted about $1000 for the job, and it wasn't worth it to me.

 

This will all depend on your insurance company. Some cut you a check for the price of repair, while others pay the shop directly. I would call them and ask your questions to get an exact answer.

 

Thanks for the responses. I wanted to ask around before I shoot myself in the foot, so to say.

Ryan

 

You will get the estimate done and they can cut you a check for the estimate - your $500 if thats they route you want to go.

I am a claims adjuster for a different company - but they all work pretty much the same.

 

Depends on the company. I'm an independent agent. Some cut check to shop, some make it a 2 party check(payable to the lender and you) and other to you and/or shop. Only way to find out is call them and see what their process is.

 

I think practices vary by region and insurance company. My wife was hit this winter and the perp was a Progressive customer. Progressive was very prompt, sent a person to review, write an estimate, and give us a check for the estimate of damage. They acknowledged that when a repair shop actually started taking things apart for the repair, they may find additional damage, which they certainly did. Progressive was very prompt in funding the repair shop for all the additional damage. I certainly could have cashed that first check, pocketed it, and driven the car with the damage. don't know this for sure, but I suspect, they could have made a much better estimate up front, but they handed me a check that if cashed and kept, would have saved them significant $$$.

 

Yup....this is the route I went with State Farm to replace my front with an ARB.