Damage Claim~add my own labor in?

[Waxman]

My touchfree impacted a Caddy last December. I bought some touchup and attempted the repair myself one day soon after the damage occurred.

The repair came out good. A scratch on the rear glass remained along with some shadows of the scratches. I called to check in afterwards and left a voicemail which was not returned. I thought they must be satisfied.

Today they brought in an estimate for repair from a body shop. I contacted my ins. co. agent and will fax them the estimate and damage incident report.

Question: Do I attach my bill as well for the repairs I performed and the paint I purchased, even though they did not satisfactorally repair the damage?

Thanks!

 

[rph9168]

How much was the estimate? Check it over carefully to make sure it is only for the damage that was done by your wash. Often times people like to include other problems they have with the vehicle along with an estimate. I once had a customer try to include a complete front end alignment and ball joints to a fender damage claim. I would also request at least one more estimate even if you think the one they got was fair.

If it is close to your deductible you might want to consider paying for it yourself. Things like this do not help your insurance rate and can affect your ability to get coverage from another company.

I don't think you should include your efforts to the bill.

 

[Waxman]

It is $700 over my deductible.

I did question one item and should request another estimate.

If I am afraid to submit this for fear of a rate increase or being denied coverage then why do I even have insurance to begin with?

 

[pitzerwm]

Here is a prime example of a screw up. You admited liability by fixing it, and you didn't get a release. This is the biggest screw up. If this is your first claim, I doubt if I'd worry about getting canceled. I'd talk with them and see what the deal was since its been this much time pasted. I'd also, send them to a guy that you know for another estimate.

 

[Waxman]

Yes you are right about admitting responsibility. I did that because my company was in fact responsible for the damage. In a small town I need to handle all legit complaints with a no-hassle protocol and not pi$$ off the locals who love to talk.

I like your point about another estimate and the insurance company requires this anyway, so I am getting the ball rolling on that as well.

My company is a 'carwash insurance specialist' and one of the larger players in Northeast and I seriously doubt that they would penalize me for one claim in 4 years. If they insure tunnel washes, which I am most certain they do, they are no strangers to damage claims and I doubt they became one of the major ins. co.'s that deal w/carwashes by twisting the screws on washes that have damage claims.

All good info, helping me work thru this step by step. Thanks!!

 

[Whale of a Wash]

The insurance co. may feel that they were satisfied with the repair due to the lapse in time, and if they are adding in a new repair, reject it completely. Let your ins. co. be the bad guy and try to stay out of it, let them take care of it . It shouldn't change your rates at all.