So I've been paying autmobile insurance for over 20 years without filing a claim.

After a run in with a dog last week, I was left with a gaping hole in my Disco's bumper.

I get two estimates done - both include new bumpers (no fog lights). The part alone is $637ish. After labor, paint, and tax, the totals come to $935 and $980.

An appraiser comes out to my house this week and I get a copy of his appraisal via fax a few minutes ago.

The total damage to my car, in his eyes, is $630. $550 is for a *used* bumper. The rest is labor to replace and tax. There is absolutely no time or money devoted to repainting it.

What gives? How do I jump through the hoops to get the rest covered?

At this point, I'm more than a bit frustrated. You'd think that after the thousands and thousands that I'd spent someone would be there doing right by me.

 

Time for a new insurance company.

Willie

 

raise hell until they listen...

 

Bet you never read your policy before you signed up.
This is not at all unusual, especially with the cheaper policies.
Hard way to find out but when painted and installed it will still look good, at least better then the dog.

 

You have the right to demand a new bumper, and I would.
Who is your insurance conmpany?

 

Unfortunatly, he can demand till he is blue in the face, but most states allow insurance companies to use OEM, aftermarket or used parts per the wording of their insurance contract, pretty much the same as many of the extended auto warranties who do it all the time.

 

no he said they were gonna give him a used bumper and there was no time or money in his repair assesment devoted to painting it... i think he would just like the bumper to be the same color as his vehicle and preferably a new one... i hate insurance companies...

 

I guess I live in a unique state then, I have never had a problem demanding original factory replacement parts.

 

i just drive my rig all busted up... they're not dents they're character marks...

 

Best thing to do is to elect to have the vehicle repaired. You have the choice of repair facilities, then let the repair shop fight for you to get the job done right. If you know the owner of the dog, they are responsible for damage to your vehicle.