We will help you with your property damage. However, Iif you want to handle a property damage claim yourself, here is some help.

Don't assume that any insurance company, even your own, will act in your best interest when negotiating a property damage claim. An insurance company has one goal, to minimize their payout and close the file. Remember, your insurance company does not act as an advocate to pursue the maximium from the responsible party on your behalf. Document damage to all property, including locating and providing receipts and photographing and collecting physical remnants of all damaged items.

VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS

If your vehicle is in a tow yard, storage fees are being incurred daily. Ultimately, you are responsible if the insurance carrier does not respond promptly. Locate the adjuster who is handling your file and request that they move the vehicle out of the tow yard as soon as possible.

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, you have a right to reimbursement of the current market value of your vehicle. Once an offer is made, if you are not satisfied, you can often get the insurance company to raise its offer by providing them with current advertisements of comparable vehicles. These can be found in the Recycler or Auto Trader online.

It is important that the insurance carrier have all pertinent information regarding your vehicle for you to obtain the highest reimbursement. Provide all of the maintenance receipts for work done on the vehicle. Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie has been very successful in negotiating total loss settlements on behalf of our clients. This service is usually provided at no additional fee to our clients.

VEHICLE REPAIR

In situations where your vehicle is repairable, you have the right to have the car repaired at a shop of your choosing. NO INSURANCE COMPANY MAY DICTATE WHERE YOU TAKE YOUR CAR. Make sure that the body shop is using parts approved by the manufacturer of your vehicle. You may have the right to have new parts as opposed to salvaged ones used on your vehicle.

You are also entitled to loss of use damages while your vehicle is being evaluated. Insurance carriers often do not volunteer this information. This reimbursement can be in the form of rental reimbursement or cash. At Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie, our goal is to maximize your recovery and get fair compensation for your vehicle. Call us at 1-888-752-7474, Contact Us Online or see our Property Damage Resource Center for more information.