Dealing with insurance re car accident

[mrkajz44]

Originally Posted by HarryH93

But wouldn't another appraisal just determine the extent of the damage? They've already determined it's a write-off. Do you know any shops that would be able to determine if there was any pre-existing damage for free?

Maybe I didn't understand your story correctly, but I think the bulk of it was the initial appraisal said it was a write-off, but there was existing damage so they want to pay you less.

I guess I'm just saying get a second opinion from a place that likely does not have ties with the insurance company. The place I have used numerous times is All Makes Collision (http://allmakescollision.ca/). I'd give them, or whoever, a call and explain what is happening and see if someone there will do an inspection and give their thoughts on the "previous damage". Usually inspections are free, but not sure if this is a specialized case.

If you know for sure that there was no prior damage and the insurance company's claim in bunk, then getting a clean second opinion and coming back to them on it should be a strong case for you.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Would a carfax or the likes help? I was lead to believe they will also show any collisions registered to the vehicle. If it had previous damage that bent the frame it would have been an expensive repair job that would have required a police report.

At the end of the day, you can absolutely play hardball with these clowns. This damage to the frame could easily come from the collision in your first post. I find it hard to believe that any repair shop would fix a bumper and all the other cosmetic damage but leave the frame damaged. It makes no sense. Tell them to pound sand and if they don't honour their original offer, take them to small claims.

[Canehdianman]

Unless they can prove there was existing damage, I'd stand my ground and refuse their offer(s).

Remember they are just offers, do some research to ensure you get proper value for your vehicle.

[zamler]

Originally Posted by RedHot25

Naive question, but shouldn't your insurance company be fighting this for you? Especially if it is no fault on your end.

Depending on the insurance company if you do not have collision they will not negotiate on your behalf.

Originally Posted by Canehdianman

Unless they can prove there was existing damage, I'd stand my ground and refuse their offer(s).

Agreed.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by HarryH93

My fiance isn't badly hurt. She doesn't have any pain today as a result. She had some neck pain for a few days after the accident.

Sounds like whiplash. Wouldn't surprise me if over the next few weeks she develops more pain. Hopefully not but make sure she sees a doctor either way.

[RedHot25]

Thanks everyone, sorry I missed reading the no collision insurance part.

[Hanni]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Would a carfax or the likes help? I was lead to believe they will also show any collisions registered to the vehicle. If it had previous damage that bent the frame it would have been an expensive repair job that would have required a police report.

I found out the hard way that not everything goes on these car history reports. Self insured companies don't have to report to carfax/proof, like rental car companies.

[HarryH93]

Update: the insurance company, after many heated emails and phone calls, finally decided to pay up. My fiancée received the original value that the company said they'd pay before they tried ripping her off.

Thanks for the help, CP!