Screwed over by Insurance?

[manguyen]

So I think Allstate screwed us over on our claim. We hit a deer in our 2008 Audi Q7 and the body shop estimated a total repair of $12K and an Allstate adjuster came and confirm the damages after the car was torn apart and stated that this would not be considered a total loss because they still value the vehicle at $22K. The claim rep stated that their guideline for a total loss is the vehicles value minus salvage value on the car; in this case it would be $17K. Upon picking up the car, we were told that there was an additional $7K worth of damage they "found" and the total came out to $19K for the repair which should have fell under the $17K criteria. So basically I need input if we have a case to fight the insurance company and ask why they didn't deem the car a total loss to begin with. We're unhappy that we now end up with a car that has had $19K in damages. Personally we don't understand how this car sustained $19K in damage as it was just the Front bumper assembly (includes grilles, turns, and fogs), hood, and radiator/fan assembly. Something just sounds fishy. On a side note, this repair facility was recommend by Allstate. Any input would be great!

[Guitarmageddon]

Pursue a diminished value claim on the car (probably worth jack now), take that cash, and dump the q7.

[Audibot]

The shop is supposed to alert insurance on anything additional they find, and the adjuster should come out and update the supplemental. Check the supplemental that was uploaded to the claim. If they have in paperwork, you should be able to get them to do something.

Otherwise, follow the above advice.

Btw, always pick your own, reputable shop. I've twice now used a place that I've found to be super thorough and goes above and beyond. Insurance wanted to repair my rear bumper, but the shop said there were tabs broken and spec'd a replacement. Luckily the adjuster was cool and it was no issue.

[Chris Black]

I'd focus less on the adjuster and more on how the shop "found" 7k more damage after initial assessment. Sounds like BS

[TJay74]

You cant claim DV on your own insurance company claim. I would question the repair estimate and ask that it be explained to you in full.

[iconoclast]

I'd focus less on the adjuster and more on how the shop "found" 7k more damage after initial assessment. Sounds like BS

seriously... 58% more damage found that adjuster overlooked? kind of odd.

[manguyen]

Allstate also mentioned that the 17k was just a guideline and they don't really have to follow it. Such BS the claim supervisor was giving us. Our next step is checking with the insurance commissioner to see if they think this situation is also fishy

[Muhtish]

I.don't know much about insurance claims, but I wish you luck on resolving this issue. I know this though, insurance will always, and I mean always is looking to profit themselves, only then a customer.