What should you not say to an auto insurance adjuster?

Car accidents have consequences and when you are in one and have to make a property or injury claim, you will deal with insurance companies and auto insurance adjuster. They will ask you questions concerning the incidentals of the accident and will be prepared to do their job, which means they will work to reimburse claims at the lowest limit possible for the insurance company they represent. So, with that in mind, there are certain comments or statements that you should not say or divulge to an adjuster to avoid complications with your claim.

 

Dealing With Adjuster Inquiries

Remember that any trained insurance adjuster will do what they can to save the insurance company they represent as much money as possible through any claim made. You’ll be under the guidance of a trained adjuster from the start of your claim, so you’ll want to know how to deal with any inquiries the adjuster or adjusters have. You’re likely to receive a call from one wanting as much information from you as possible along with your side or rendition of what happened in the accident.

 

Insurance Adjusters

You may deal with one or more auto insurance adjuster with your accident situation, as there are specialty adjusters at different levels with insurance companies. An auto insurance adjuster can be investigators only or work with injury-related cases. They can be negotiators in dealings with attorneys or handle property damage issues with vehicle damage. Property damage adjusters can estimate damages, or they can specialize in paying out for damages.

 

What to Remember

When you speak with a property damage adjuster, specialty adjuster or any insurance representative, above all you want to be honest and believable in any answers you give to them. You want to do the right thing and it will help you in defending yourself legally should they involve you in a court case. Adjusters will do what they can to dig at you when they believe you aren’t being truthful with them. You want any information you provide to sound credible and convincing.

 

What to Avoid

Just what should you avoid saying to an auto insurance adjuster? Here are some more important things to take into consideration before revealing information to any insurance adjuster in a property damage or bodily insurance situation.

 

Don’t Admit Fault

When you speak with an adjuster or adjusters don’t admit fault or speak apologetically. Since an adjuster will investigate your accident, they will look for ways to vindicate the insurance company of any fault. If you admit blame for the accident in your initial conversations with an adjuster, you could jeopardize your case or lessen your chances of compensation. Even in the slight chance that you think you are at fault, don’t speak of it in any phone conversations with the insurance company or the adjuster. You want to wait for the complete investigation to determine fault. You may not be aware of the other driver’s fault or a defect with any vehicle in question.

 

Don’t Speculate

If you aren’t clear with the facts in an accident situation, decline politely to provide answers to an adjuster’s questions. You don’t want to give an opinion as to what you think happened or place blame. Giving unproven statements could jeopardize your claim. An adjuster could use what you said previously and turn it to your detriment as the claim progresses. Keep any answers short, concise and truthful. Don’t provide unasked for details. Anytime you are unsure of an answer, say nothing.

 

Don’t Disclose Injury Information

When you experience an accident that includes bodily injury, an insurance adjuster will probably ask you for information about those injuries. You don’t have to answer those questions other than to explain to the adjuster that you will provide the information once doctors have assessed all your injuries. You need to explain that you don’t know the full extent of those injuries until such time that your doctors provide you with a breakdown of your injuries and a complete diagnosis of your medical condition. Divulging the status of your injuries before you have all the facts may give the adjuster the idea that your injuries are not that extensive. Also, don’t sign any medical release forms that provide access to your medical records. If you allow this kind of access, an adjuster may discover other injuries or other medical problems that they will try to relate to your current condition.

 

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

You’re not legally obligated to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. They will probably ask you, as most adjusters will want you to agree to a recorded statement. You are completely within your rights to refuse. An adjuster cannot require you to make a recorded statement. Declining is the right thing to do as an adjuster may try to use any recorded statement against you as your claim progresses and turn your story around and damage your credibility.

 

Don’t Accept First Settlement

If the insurance company gives you a settlement offer the first time around, you don’t want to accept it as it’s usually a bottom dollar offer. The adjuster may try to tell you that there will be no other offers or that this is a last offer. A first offer is usually a lot lower than the actual value of your claim. An insurance company will be in hopes you are desperate enough to accept an initial offer. You have a right to fight for full compensation.

If you are unsure how to deal with insurance adjusters, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need to communicate effectively with insurance adjusters and the settlement of your claim.

How Many Estimates Should I Get for a Car Accident?

How Many Estimates Should I Get for a Car Accident?

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident that is more than just a fender bender, you probably understand that there are procedures to follow for taking care of the damage to your vehicle. Getting repair estimates is part of that procedure and involves a series of steps that will get you back in the driver’s seat and on your way to wherever you need to go. Here are the most important steps to follow in obtaining estimates after you’ve been in an accident and know your vehicle will require repairs.

Finding Reputable Repair Shops

Before you actually get any repair estimates, research collision repair shops and their shop rates for body work along with their background information to verify their work performance. You want qualified professionals who can thoroughly and honestly assess damage. Also, ask others who have had recent body work done or go online and read reviews or reports from other vehicle owners concerning whether a body shop’s work is above standard and whether they have a stellar reputation.

Often your insurance company will give you the name or names of reputable collision repair shops that they recommend for repair work. Usually the shops that your insurance company provides are trustworthy and provide high-quality work. Most shops that an insurance company recommends will offer topnotch service and will deal with any of the paperwork and documentation that your insurance company will need. If your insurance company doesn’t provide a listing of reputable collision shops, go ahead and get up to three estimates in writing. You’ll want the estimates to include a complete breakdown of any repairs along with labor costs and parts (whether they are original, used or aftermarket parts).

Repair Cost Concerns

If you’re really worried about the cost of repairs, and how many estimates you should get and aren’t utilizing a repair shop recommended by your insurance company, it’s safe to get a few on your own estimates to determine what repairs will cost you overall.

High estimates don’t necessarily mean you are being overcharged, and estimates that seem to be quite a bit lower might raise red flags because of the possibility of poorly done body work or replacement with used or inferior auto parts, so basing your decision on costs alone is not always wise as collision costs can vary from one shop to another. It’s important once you do get estimates to scan through each estimate on a line-by-line basis. You want to compare costs for body work, vehicle parts and labor. You also want to determine what estimate meets your needs and which one will give you the best quality repair work.

Determining Average Rate for Repair Costs

When you get three estimates, it helps you to determine the average range of your repair costs. Three estimates will allow you to cancel out both the lowest and most costly estimate and take the estimate that falls in the middle. You can also take all three estimates and divide your total by the three, which gives you the average cost for repairs. Whatever final payout you receive through your insurance provider should be close to the average estimate.

Insurance Company Delays

If you’re going through your insurance company and a collision shop of their or your choosing, you don’t want to deal with extended delays that your insurance company may cause. Waiting for an insurance adjuster or representative to determine damages can be stressful, especially when you need your vehicle for work or other important activities.

When an adjuster fails to deal with assessing your damage within a week or so, it’s probably a good idea to obtain several estimates on your own and pay for any repairs made. You can ask for reimbursement of the repair costs through your insurance provider; however, one thing to remember is that full reimbursement from your insurer may be difficult to recoup after the collision shop has made repairs, particularly if you have gone with a higher repair estimate.

Your insurance company will likely not pay out higher estimates and will go with the lowest estimate the collision shop gave you. It’s important to remember that when you have repairs made before an amount is agreed upon, you risk your insurance company delaying your claim and reimbursing you. Also, once your vehicle is usable and you have it back in your possession, your insurance company no longer has to pay for alternative transportation.

How Many Estimates

When your insurance company offers a low payoff for your repairs or you believe the repair shop is charging too much or too little for your vehicle repairs, then you probably should get a second and third opinion.

The best option with estimates is to get one good one through a repair shop with an excellent repair record as opposed to getting several from repair shops that may give you middle of the road estimates and less than standard repair work.

Usually, one estimate is enough, especially when the repair shop has an excellent record and does quality work. If your repairs are costly and you’re worried about your insurance company not paying out and the body shop not doing what it should, it’s probably a good idea to get several estimates. Whether you go with one or more than one estimate and aren’t sure of the process, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to make a decision that fits your needs.

Are Used Tires Safe to Purchase?

Are Used Tires Safe to Purchase_

When you are on a tight budget, hearing the words “you need new tires” can be stressful. According to CostHelper, the average price of a new, all-season tire can be as high as $250 each. Pickup and SUV tires may cost as much as $350 each. In order to save money, you may be tempted to purchase a set of used tires. Although used tires are cheaper than new, are they really safe to put on your car?

Unregulated Industry

Before you decide to purchase a set of used tires, it is important to understand that the used tire industry in the United States is completely unregulated. This means there is no standard for a used to tire to actually be safe enough to place on your car.

Internal Damage

The tread on the outside of the used tires may look good and, if the tires on your car are really bad, the used ones may seem to have more tread than yours. However, used tires may have internal damage that is almost impossible to see. For example, it is possible to plug a damaged portion of a tire if a sharp object penetrates it. That type of repair may not be visible without close inspection. In addition, if the repair is not done properly, the tire may be more likely to fail in the future.

Age of the Tire

There have been cases where a dealer painted used tires black to make them appear newer than they actually are. Manufacturers worn against purchasing tires that are more than six years old because the materials used to create the tire can begin to break down. You can find the age of a tire by searching for the stamped birthdate of the tire. It should be located on the sidewall following the letters DOT. Reading left to right, you will find a series of letters and numbers followed by an encircled set of four numbers that appear tightly spaced. Those four numbers are the date the tire was manufactured. The first two numbers are the week of the year and the last two are the year. For example, a tire with the code “3219” was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2019.

Lack of History

There is no way for you to know the history of a used tire. It could have been underinflated, overinflated or placed on a vehicle that carried heavier loads than the tire is rated for. You will not know what type of roads the tire traveled, whether the terrain was rough or if there were many potholes. Did the vehicle the tires were removed from have suspension issues? These conditions could damage a tire in ways that are not noticeable from the outside.

Weather Conditions

In addition to not know if the tires were taken care of properly, you may not know the type of weather the previous owner drove in regularly. High heat, sunlight and humidity can break down the materials of a tire quickly. Even if the tires have low mileage because they were on a vehicle that was not driven often, weather can cause the tire to degrade which makes them less safe.

Product Recall

When someone buys a set of tires, the manufacturer receives information about that owner, including an address that they will use to send recall notices. If you purchase the tires used, the manufacturer has no way of knowing the tires were sold and cannot notify you if there is a defect that could be dangerous.

What About Tires on Used Cars?

Many people purchase used tires using the argument that used cars have tires on them, believing the concept is the same. When you buy a used car, you can get an idea what condition the entire car is in and that includes the tires. You can even use the vehicle identification number to look up information on the car and get an idea how it was cared for before you buy. You don’t have that option when you purchase used tires.

Alternatives to Used Tires

If you are on a tight budget, there are alternatives to purchasing used tires. Watch for sales at your local tire shop. In some cases, you may be able to sign up for email notifications in order to receive coupons that can save you money on tires. Often, tire shops offer discounts if you purchase all four tires at one time as well.

If you are in the market for tires for your vehicle, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today. We offer a wide range of tire options and can find you the tires you need for your car at a price you can afford. When you drive your car out of Elmer’s Auto Body, you know that it is safe for you and your family. We don’t sell used tires as we know they are not safe and would rather help you find a new tire in your price range. Schedule an appointment today by calling or filling out the easy online form.

What Tools Should You Keep in Your Car?

What Tools Should You Keep in Your Car?

As the weather warms up, you automatically begin thinking of that family road trip. Whether you are heading to a cabin by the lake, a cozy beachfront cottage or you just hop in the car for a weekend drive to get away, you don’t want to have any worries or concerns along the way. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law usually does not allow that to happen and you don’t want a small car repair to derail your entire trip. One way to deal with those minor repairs is to carry a toolbox in your trunk. These are some of the best tools to have with you in your car to deal with those emergencies.

Aluminum Flashlight

Almost any flashlight is critical should your car break down on the side of the road at night, but a high-quality aluminum light may provide you with better illumination than a cheap disposable one. You can find good flashlights that require “D” batteries with a standard bulb, or you can purchase one with an LED bulb that uses lithium batteries. Before heading out on the road, be sure the flashlight batteries are good or that it is charged fully. Put an extra bulb in the glovebox as well.

Build an Emergency Tool Kit

You can purchase ready-made tool kits that are designed for the trunk of your car, but it may be easier to create one yourself to be sure you have what you need. You don’t need your entire garage full of tools. The tools you will most commonly need for a quick roadside repair include:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Electrical tape
  • Electrical wire
  • Flat-head screwdriver in two sizes
  • Mechanics wire
  • Philips head screwdriver in two sizes
  • Pliers
  • Small ball-peen hammer
  • Spare fuses
  • Vise grips
  • Wire cutters with wire stripping option

Just place the entire tool kit in a small sports bag and you should be set to fix any roadside issue that comes up.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit in your car can be a lifesaver. You can purchase a ready-made kit designed for your glove box or trunk or you can create one of your own. If you want to purchase one that is already made, check sporting goods stores as they often have larger kits with more first aid needs than those offered at department stores.

Jumper Cables

An inexpensive set of jumper cables can be worth their weight in gold if you break down on the side of the road. Another great item to have in your trunk is a jump starter assembly that can jump your battery without needing a second vehicle.

Tire Pressure Gauge and Inflator

Tire issues are common when you are traveling. Newer vehicles include computerized tire pressure sensors but if your car is an older model, you will want to have a tire pressure gauge in your glovebox. A tire inflator with sealing qualities is another good item to have in your car. To use the inflator, remove the valve cap on your tire, insert the inflator hose, and press the button. Your tire will inflate, and the puncture will be temporarily sealed.

Tow Strap

If you are stuck on the side of the road due to mud or snow, a tow strap will be helpful to get you pulled out. Tow straps take up less room than tow chains or ropes. They also stretch a little when they are connected to another vehicle which helps dislodge you.

Flares or Safety Triangles

When your vehicle is disabled, especially after dark, you want to be sure that other cars on the road can clearly see you. Although flares are small, they can be difficult to light and there have been reports of small holes burnt into clothing while the flare ignites. Instead, purchase a set of safety triangles which can be used more than once. They are not as quickly visible as flares, but they do draw attention to your vehicle on the side of the road.

Fire Extinguisher

Many automotive stores sell fire extinguishers that are designed for vehicles but, too often, they are much too small to put out a gasoline-fed fire. Instead, purchase a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher along with a quick-release mount for your trunk. It is not safe to have a heavy fire extinguisher rolling around in the back of your trunk, so you want to secure it. However, you also want to be able to get it out as quickly as possible should your vehicle or another catch fire.

No one ever wants to think of emergencies on the side of the road when they are traveling. Unfortunately, they are more common than you think. If you are planning a road trip in the next few months, schedule an appointment with Elmer’s Auto Body for a quick inspection if you’ve been in an accident.