insurance question

I got rear-ended. Are there any people who have any suggestions on how to just get the insurance check without having to get the truck fixed? I have gotten the police report and went to get an estimate this morning. At the body shop the estimator told me she would have the estimate done by Monday (very busy shop). At that time she would send me a copy of the estimate and also send it to the insurance company of the girl who hit me. Seems to me I'm going to actually have my rear bumper fixed to get the insurance check. What can I do to get the check in my hand?

 

I believe if the truck is paid off, you are entitled to have the truck fix or not at your discretion.

 

yes

 

yes, it is paid off. But still do not have title in hand. Is that going to be an issue?

 

I do not want a stock bumper on the rear any longer. I want to go high clearance but do not believe the insurance check will cover the one I want to get. I need to collect and save more.

 

man you're lucky. I keep hoping someone would do this to me so I can get an after market bumper. Hope all goes well and you get the check.

 

I work for one of the big insurance companies (will not say which), and all you have to tell them is that you want to settle this claim immediately and not drag it out, but you do not have the time right now to put your truck in the shop.... ask them if they send a claim rep out to inspect your truck and write a check, or if they can just send a check based on the estimate of a shop. Either way, you get a check in hand

 

I would not call this luck. It a pain in the ass is what is is, but at least there is a small pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (hopefully).

That is great info, Thanks! The girls insurance is with Geico so I bet they would send out an adjuster??

 

They will either send a claims adjuster or you can go to one of their preferred shops for an estimate, and mail you a check... one or the other. Good luck!

 

awesome. So when I get the email quote from the body shop (partnered with Geico) I should call them and just ask for the check?

 

This... I just did it with mine twice in the last year, adjuster came wrote the check right on the spot first time. Second time they mailed the check to me.

 

I also work for an insurance company. Have an adjuster come out, go to preferred/direct repair shop or get an estimate from a shop you want to use. Tell them that you want to use the shop of your choice and want the check. They should send you a check based on the estimate from the shop you want to use, if you don't have an adjuster come out. If an adjuster comes out they will write an estimate and hand you a check to get repaired anywhere you want to.
You will get paid directly. It doesn't matter if you truck is paid off or not because you can chose to fix it or take the money. The only time it matter is your truck is paid off is if your insurance is paying for the damages to your own truck. If it's not paid off they will make the payment to you and the body shop or lien holder.

 

I just want someone to run into me for once... sux having been on the giving end a time or two (can you say stupid youthful habits??)

 

I got hit while my truck was parked on a street a while ago. I had the adjuster come from the other party's insurance company, they wrote up an estimate and sent me a check including rental coverage. I ordered the parts, got them painted and kept the change.

I think standard practice is to send you a check and you can do with it as you please.

 

I don’t think car insurance companies really bother what you do with your check, just as long as your car is whole again.

 

Yeah for actual cash value (auto) claims you shouldn't have any problems. For replacement cost claims (homeowners) it's a different story.

 

How about sorting out an agreement with your custom bumper manufacturer and having the check made out to them as your authorized repair provider as a deposit/payment on your bumper?

 

^^I sincerely doubt you'll be able to talk an insurer into paying for an upgrade

 

Hence the mention of it being used a a deposit/payment as I don't know what the price he has agreed upon with his bumper manufacturer is. If it's more than the insurance check covers then he just pays the builder the balance. Most insurance companies could care less what you use the loot for as long as you sign off on their accountability the money is now yours.