Dear Rob P,
You're right, looking at that again $1200 does seem like a decent first
offer. I think I was reacting more to the dissatisfaction that the
owner of the car seemed to feel.
I'm curious, why won't you touch a property damage claim?
MM
On Monday, November 24, 2003, at 04:10 PM, Rob P wrote:
> I'm shocked that everybody is jumping on the insurance carrier. When I
> read this post my initial response was surprise that the carrier made
> an opening offer as high as $1,200. For the respray of the trunk
> only, that seems like pretty big number.
>
> If you cannot get a proper repair for that figure, by all means stay
> after them. Just stay rational and be prepared to back up all your
> claims with documentation. Particularly, the problems with matching
> the original paint. I would continue to negotiate with them
> personally and remember the only time it's considered a fair deal is
> when everybody goes away a little unhappy.
>
> I'm an attorney and around here you are looking at an hourly rate in
> the $150-$300 range or 1/3 to 20% of recovery. Most offices (like
> mine) won't touch a property damage claim, unless it's as a favor to
> an existing client. You will almost never recover legal expenses. To
> actually take this kind of case to Court, you're looking at an initial
> retainer of about $3,500. It's simply not cost effective and the
> insurance carriers know this. Stay after them yourself. If you're
> reasonable and have your documentation in order they'll take you
> seriously when they see you aren't going away easily.
>
>> From: "Bill Conway" <wconway@xxxxxxxxx>
>> Subject: IML: insurance companies
>> Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2003 09:18:23 -0600
>>
>> Insurance companies - like everyone, including us, follow the money.
>> They insure the insured, not you. They are there to protect the one
>> who is insured against loss and/or law suit. If the car wash was at
>> fault, contact a lawyer, file a suit, claim damages, intentional
>> negligence and all legal expenses against the car wash. Let the car
>> wash deal with the insurance company, after all, they are the ones
>> paying them. Not you. Follow the money.
>> And good luck in court.
>> Bill
>
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