Any experience with Allstate Drive-Ins

Long story short, I was in my first accident last night...with a cop. Luckily everyone is ok, it wasn't my fault (or his...there was a third vehicle), the tacoma took it fairly well for a semi-front end collision (no air bags deployed).

Looks like mostly severe cosmetic damage to the front end, but I couldn't see underneath really well to see if there was frame damage.

Anyways, my allstate insurance is recommending I go through a drive-in estimator here in my area (it is drivable...at least it drove for 10 feet when I moved it from the scene). Anyone have any experience with this service? I don't really want to get shortchanged here, and I've heard they estimate the damage right there, and cut the check.

I'm considering (if it's only cosmetic), getting a front bumper, and then having the grill repaired, but worst case scenario, I still want full and fair reimbursement for the damages.

 

not with allstate but AAA. THere is nothing wrong with that, as a matter of fact it will cut alot of the usual BS that there is on the phone. Ive always thought going and showing them to the adjusters is the best thing to do. With so mcuh insurance fraud this is a safety measure most reputable insurance companies take these days. This will save you a lot of time spending on the phone and getting transfered over and over again.

 

former claims adjuster
when you go to the drive up estimate, thats what you are going to get - a estimate of your damages from what they can see. then they will cut you a check for that amount. now later when your truck goes for the repairs, if they find any additional damages when taking things apart, they would have to submit a supplement estimate for the additional repairs/parts . This process is normal for any veh that can still drive safetly.

 

I went through the drive-up Allstate estimate here in WA after bouncing a deer off the front headlight and around the passenger side. No complaints, it was amazingly painless and the shop did a perfect job with the repairs. Fully guaranteed work and they worked out the extra payment with Allstate directly, all I had to do was pay the deductible. I was really impressed! It was around $3k of damage btw.

 

I had seen them on a few occasions. At around $1200, they cut a check. Another time at $2400, the check was made out to me and the body shop of my choice. Both times the bank still held the title, Allstate was generous in my favor, was the other guys/girls fault. Hope the repair works out well for you