Auto collision/insurance question

[MattPark]

I'd like to know a bit more before I contact my not so accomodating insurance adjuster again. I can't find the information I'm looking for in my policy documentation.

Long story short, I was in an accident, my truck needs a bumper, grille, and headlight. I'm going to replace them myself. They (my insurance company) quoted me for cheap aftermarket parts. I went and got a few quotes on my own, they are all over double what the insurance company's quote is.

I am under the impression that I pay insurance to replace my damaged factory parts with new factory parts, and return the truck to it's original condition, not replace them with cheap chinese parts. I understand why they would not want to purchase OEM parts, but that's irrelevant if it's my right to request them.

[dodgeboy252000]

I had farmers when my truck got stolen a few years ago and i was told that there policy is if it has less than 10000 miles OEM after that is aftermarket chinese crap. Mine had 12000 so after fighting and fighting I still got crap.

My experiance with that company anyway I am sure all companies have there own policy's

[xdynamite]

I can tell you from experence that most insurance companys (at least mine) don't like the words "Insurance Commision". I had a simular issue with my company and they were more than willing to help once I said I was going to call the Insurance commision. I had 2 estimates that were almost double what they said they would pay. In the end I was paid the highest est. and the rig was repaired to my approval.
XD

[wthr4d]

Why are you doing it yourself? the insurance company is going to make you pay your deductible whether you do the work or someone else. you are only saving THEM the money. with a good auto shop involved you can also get them to argue the need for OEM parts as well and the insurance guys have less to say about it.

I didn't so the work on my car when it was hit but the insurance tried to play games on price and I was told by the shop a list of rules that is Oregon law that pretty much said what the insurance guys were doing was bordering on illegal.

I think you have a right to choose what parts you get just as you have a right to use whatever shop you want...even if its not the cheapest or best deal in your quotes.

paul

[MattPark]

I'm doing it myself for a number of reasons.

I only want to know my rights, and the literature I have doesn't give me the information I'm looking for. I guess a good place to start would be to call the insurance company and have them show me where exactly in my policy it says they have the legal right to use whatever parts they want.

I don't need to have an auto body shop be my voice in the matter, I'm perfectly capable of speaking clearly. I just need to know what I'm talking about before I get into it with them.

[SeanD]

Get on the oregon insurance commision's website and read up on the insurance laws. I did after my accident and it saved me $3000 that the adjuster didnt want to give me.

[wthr4d]

I certaily wasn't trying to question your abilities but suggest a way that could take some stress off of you.

I would go to teh Insurance commision before you talk to your insurance company because the Ins company WON'T tell you your rights or if you are entitled to something that they don't want to offer you (they have proven this already) where the commision will tell you what the ins company's legally required to do for you.

Paul

[SeanD]

Sorry I assumed you were oregon, you really need to talk to the WA insurance commission and get the state statues/laws that apply and read them. The insurance company is not your friend. My adjuster flat out lied to me repeatedly, and modified/altered paperwork to boot. I was shocked, they were the most dishonest people I have ever delt with. Do not trust them.

[MattPark]

Originally Posted by wthr4d

I certaily wasn't trying to question your abilities but suggest a way that could take some stress off of you.

I enjoy this kind of stuff I just need the information first.

I am going to call the insurance commission on monday. I think I can find all the information I need there.

Thanks guys.

[alaskan]

Matt, after reading a lot of your post Igot the impresion you were in the auto business. If you know anyone in the autobody business talk to them. They should know the laws regarding replacing factory or aftermarket as well as the right keywords to use to get the adjuster to back off a bit. My wife works for a shop here in Anchorage and I get to hear these stories all the time.

[fishbait]

PM Bernie, catch and eat. He runs a good auto body shop and is a straight shooter.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Matt, what most people don't do is read the policy before they sign up for the cheap price insurance they think they are getting a good deal on. Most insurance companies call out for Aftermarket parts (those made in Taiwan, China, Brazil, Mexico, Korea and so on). They also refer to these reproduction parts as "Quality Replacement Parts" which are the same deal as Aftermarket parts. Sometimes they will even refer to these as Economy Parts which are again Aftermarket parts. The also have a term for used parts call LKQ or Like Kind and Quality that come from your local wrecking yards.

There are different levels of Aftermarket parts out there. Non-certified, Certified, CAPA Certified, Platinum Plus and so on. For a time there were some actually very good aftermarket parts that were in the Platinum Plus line that were sold By Keystone automotive. I believe that line has disappeared now since Keystone was bought out by LKQ Action Crash parts. This merger was completed in November and my personal reaction is that the quality has been pretty lack luster prior to the merger, say August or so when this was first announced. I have documented a few cases here and there where Insurance Companies have dictated Aftermarket parts. We have test fit them, photoed them and had the companies reinspect them and pay us to test fit the products and then replace them with OEM parts.

What you can do Matt is purchase the AM parts, keep the packaging and then call the adjuster out to view the parts purchased from the supplier they have listed. show them the edges of the bumpers, lamps, and so on and how they have chromed over scratches. They may tell you to order another one. Just tell them no, that you made a good faith effort to adhere to your policy and guidelines and that the parts are not restoring your vehicle to pre-loss condition. If your bumper is chrome, chances are the aftermarket new bumper is already rusting on the back side of the bumper. I see this almost every time we order one and we always send it back.

Another part to be aware of is a reconditioned part as in a reconditioned bumper cover. These are plain and simply JUNK. Refuse them every time. They are not restoring your vehicle to pre-loss condition.

So somewhere in your policy it does say that your insurance company may seek alternative parts to trim costs of repairing your vehicle should it be damaged. The language is there you just have to hunt for it.

Far as their estimate goes, I am sure there is more damage than what they wrote. Call your adjuster and make and appointment for him to reinspect your truck they day you want to pull it apart. That way he can cover any further questions you have.