How To Dispute An Auto Insurance Estimate?

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    David G. Pipes, CLU®, RICP®
    Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
    When the adjuster finishes a claim, they make an “offer” essentially.  A policyholder, particularly in California is not obligated to accept that offer.  In the case of auto insurance it normally means that the adjuster has an estimate in hand for the work necessary.  Once the work starts, additional damage may be discovered and the adjuster will re-evaluate the claim.  If you disagree with the amount of the settlement you can still take the car to whoever you wish and they will go through the same process.  It could be that the company will not reimburse for the full bill for your selected repair shop.  There are arbitration and legal actions available to come to some sort of agreement.  If your concern is over fault, that is an entirely different matter and there is a formal process that ends in arbitration.  Once the claim is arbitrated the percentage of fault is assigned and the company is bound by the order.
    Answered on March 18, 2014
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