I feel, AllState is cheating me.

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I got two accidents two weeks apart on the same car. When I took my car to Nissan dealer to estimate, one cost ~$800 and other for ~$1800. But when I took my car to AllState to get estimate, the guy quote one for ~500 and other for $1200 and they only give me check for that amount. By looking the damage on my car I really feel it costs alot more than the guy quote. I call office complaint but no success. My car is old '91 Nissan 240sx 160K miles; thinking just take the money and not to fix it.

Please tell me what you guys would do? Thanks very much.

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[Double Trouble]

First, don't accept any payment they provide (don't cash the checks), or it will be seen as legal acceptance of the settlement/payment.

If the amount they are offering you is not what you feel it should be, it depends on what state you live in as to what Allstate is legally bound to do.

For example, in my state, I can get three quotes from independent repair shops, and the insurance company is forced by law to pay for at least the average of the three quotes. Furthermore, (I could be wrong on this), but I believe every state out there has provisions that the insurance company cannot simply dictate the amount of the repair costs - you have the option of getting your own estimates.

Given the amounts in this case, you'll probably have to go to small claims court if all else fails. Do some research on automobile insurance law in your state, and make sure to not accept anything from them until you're certain that you've come to the right agreement with them.

 

[JohnnyKnoxville]

The car is'nt worth more than 800$

 

[MojoJojo]

In California the Insurance Claims Settler does have the right to cut the check for whatever amount he knows the car can be fixed for.

That whole thing with getting estimates for the insurance company and taking the "average" is going the way of the dot com startup.

To many people were probably taking their Pinto to Beverly Hills to get that $5,000 estimate. Then they would get it done by some Mom and Pop operation and keep the "extra".
It still works for court cases but I think you're fighting an uphill battle going against the insurance company.
If you couldnt get it fixed for the amount they gave you I would be very surprised.

BTW- Some guy creamed my car last year and I went through the same thing, Allstate and all.

Guess what. The same shop that gave me a $4500 estimate for new parts was able to do it for the $2500 Allstate gave me with used parts.

The Claims Agent wrote the check out to the shop directly. He had some cool little portable printer in his briefcase and cut it on the spot.

Gool luck to you.

 

[Expandable]

If I decide for small claims court, do I need an attorney? What kind of attorney should I see. I also thinking to write a letter to corporate and not sure what the address and how to find out.

I think I can sell my car ~$2K Johnny!

 

[SammyBoy]

um, why fix it at the dealer?

find a good mechanic, only fix what is totally necessary, and walk away with your car in ok shape and some money in your pocket.

u really cant blame them for not paying as much as a dealership says it will cost

 

[Doggiedog]

Allstate = SUX!!

At 27, 9 years with a license, no tickets or points ever, no accidents ever, garaged, new Honda Prelude SH = $7500/yr!

Geico or State Farm = $2700/yr.

 

[Expandable]

The damage is vey similar to a previous accident I involed with a Statefarm client before and they paid me fairly.