Insurance Companies?
I received a lot of hail damage and scratches from a storm that we just had. I took my van into a body shop and got an estimate. It was for more than I thought so I called my insurance company to file a claim and when they asked me what bodyshop I want to do the work with I told them that I don't want to go through a bodyshop. I told them that my husband use to own a body shop and wants to do the work himself. She told me she would make a note of it. Will they allow it? I am just wondering if they will just give us a settlement and let my husband do the work. I go through American Family. Any info would be appreciated.
Well, they'll likely allow it, but want an inspection afterwards. If you don't pass the inspection that the repairs were done adequately, they will either cancel your physical damage coverage, or cancel your whole policy. And they WON'T pay a second time to "get it done right" if your hubby messes up.
Normally they will want a certified auto body shop that they work with to do the repairs. That way they cover themselves.
Good luck, but I have a feeling that they will not give you a settlement on it, unless you go to one of their approved body shops, unless the auto was a total loss.
Good luck.
Answers:
I used to work at amfam and these type of settlements can be tricky. The shop estimate includes a profit which amfam is going to take out of the estimate if your husband is going to do the work himself. If your husband does not own a shop then he is not entitled to overhead or a profit to do the repairs.
If you have a loan on the vehicle amfam will include the lienholder name on the check which will make the whole thing even more fun.
So if you husband wants to do the repairs because he thinks he will make a few extra bucks that isn't going to happen. You are better off having it repaired at a shop.
Good Luck