Instant Fender Flare and Drop - Car Insurance Question.... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #16 05-23-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

...Not necessary to commit insurance fraud though by making up a story that you hit something as previously suggested and would insure that you would have to pay the deductable (May have to anyway).

In California, local D.A.s and insurance companies, together wiht the California Dept. of Insurance actively prosecute instances of insurance fraud.

They are felonies and it is not pretty if you get caught, prosecuted, tried and sentenced..

John Doe · #17 05-23-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

In California, local D.A.s and insurance companies, together wiht the California Dept. of Insurance actively prosecute instances of insurance fraud.

They are felonies and it is not pretty if you get caught, prosecuted, tried and sentenced..

Guess who else gets apponited on occasion as a Sp. Asst. AG to assist in the prosecution of such cases?

nota · #18 05-24-2007, 01:12 PM

i SUPPECT IT WILL BE CHEAPER LONG RUN TO PAY YOURSELF
then file a claim minus deduck and pay higher rates the next too many years

truckinik · #19 05-24-2007, 01:59 PM

I would say you are S.O.L. on this one. Your rate will go up anyways, no matter what. But also, what's your deductable? I mean, If your only looking at $1500.00 worth of damage, Total, and your deductable, is $1000.00, is it really worth even putting the claim in ? Especially, if your rate will go up, and you'll just end up paying more for it, in the long run. I would say, "Just bite the bullet, on this one my friend". I don't know what any of you figures are, but just an example..

wbrian63 · #20 05-24-2007, 03:25 PM

Beware of alerting your insurance company to a potential claim, even if you decide not to file. These little "tidbits" of information are used in the calculation of your eligibility for renewal, as well as for your rates.

The way the insurance company sees it, if you're having a bunch of little problems that all fall under the radar for reimbursement (less than the deductible), or are not covered under the terms of the policy, they think you're eventually going to have something claimable.

For my money, the rule should be my potential risk as a policy holder should be based solely on previous pay-out experience and my active driving record - but these days, insurance companies are looking for any tool they can use to maximize their revenue and minimize their payouts.

Try getting a new insurance company to look at you with a low credit score... fat chance.

A lady where I work hit another driver that pulled smooth out in front of her on the highway. Cops came to the scene and ruled the other driver totally at fault. Totalled her car, fortunately no injuries to either party. She's eligible for reimbursement for wages lost (1 day total) while dealing with getting the car to a repair shop and obtaining a rental, etc. Geico wants her to provide her total accident history for the last 10 years - trips and falls at home / work, etc, plus any auto-related claims. I told her to stonewall them - (she does have a clean record in this area). Whether or not she should get paid for time lost due to their policy-holders fault has no relation to whether or not she ever tripped and skinned her knee or was involved in another accident. It's truly amazing what they'll ask you for.... But they'll keep on trying.

John Doe · #21 05-24-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckinik

Your rate will go up anyways, no matter what. ..

Not true in this situation, Posenik.

John Doe · #22 05-24-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbrian63

Beware of alerting your insurance company to a potential claim, even if you decide not to file. These little "tidbits" of information are used in the calculation of your eligibility for renewal, as well as for your rates.

The way the insurance company sees it, if you're having a bunch of little problems that all fall under the radar for reimbursement (less than the deductible), or are not covered under the terms of the policy, they think you're eventually going to have something claimable.

For my money, the rule should be my potential risk as a policy holder should be based solely on previous pay-out experience and my active driving record - but these days, insurance companies are looking for any tool they can use to maximize their revenue and minimize their payouts.

Try getting a new insurance company to look at you with a low credit score... fat chance.

A lady where I work hit another driver that pulled smooth out in front of her on the highway. Cops came to the scene and ruled the other driver totally at fault. Totalled her car, fortunately no injuries to either party. She's eligible for reimbursement for wages lost (1 day total) while dealing with getting the car to a repair shop and obtaining a rental, etc. Geico wants her to provide her total accident history for the last 10 years - trips and falls at home / work, etc, plus any auto-related claims. I told her to stonewall them - (she does have a clean record in this area). Whether or not she should get paid for time lost due to their policy-holders fault has no relation to whether or not she ever tripped and skinned her knee or was involved in another accident. It's truly amazing what they'll ask you for.... But they'll keep on trying.

What type of file are these little "tidbits" kept in? I review insurance time and have never seen them, other than driver profile/accident history, ect.

Individual premiums rarely go up because of lets use hail damage claims as an example. However, if you lived in an area that historically has a higher rate of claims based on hail damage due to weather patterns, then your premium may go up if you move there from a lower risk area.

300EVIL · #23 05-24-2007, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckinik

I would say you are S.O.L. on this one. Your rate will go up anyways, no matter what. But also, what's your deductable? I mean, If your only looking at $1500.00 worth of damage, Total, and your deductable, is $1000.00, is it really worth even putting the claim in ? Especially, if your rate will go up, and you'll just end up paying more for it, in the long run. I would say, "Just bite the bullet, on this one my friend". I don't know what any of you figures are, but just an example..

My deductible is $500 and it's at least $2K in damages so I think it's worth it. Besides It shouldn't really go against my record since it's a "freak" accident. I called them today and it appears they are going to work with me on getting my claim resolved.

300EVIL · #24 05-24-2007, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

What type of file are these little "tidbits" kept in? I review insurance time and have never seen them, other than driver profile/accident history, ect.

Individual premiums rarely go up because of lets use hail damage claims as an example. However, if you lived in an area that historically has a higher rate of claims based on hail damage due to weather patterns, then your premium may go up if you move there from a lower risk area.

Plus the fact that I've never filed an insurance claim in my life. I can't imagine my premium would go up by that much. If they do that, I'll find someone else.

300EVIL · #25 05-24-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbrian63

Try getting a new insurance company to look at you with a low credit score... fat chance.

Who said I have a low credit score???

John Doe · #26 05-24-2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300EVIL

My deductible is $500 and it's at least $2K in damages so I think it's worth it. Besides It shouldn't really go against my record since it's a "freak" accident. I called them today and it appears they are going to work with me on getting my claim resolved.

Search some of the guy's posts before wasting your breath with a serious response. Its not your fault and they have potential subrogation. Have as your goal to waive deductible and good luck!!

300EVIL · #27 05-24-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

Search some of the guy's posts before wasting your breath with a serious response. Its not your fault and they have potential subrogation. Have as your goal to waive deductible and good luck!!

I always thought you "had" to pay the deductible and that's all their is to it. I will go for it, though I doubt they will.

John Doe · #28 05-24-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300EVIL

I always thought you "had" to pay the deductible and that's all their is to it. I will go for it, though I doubt they will.

No, its highly negotiable, but certain companies hold a harder line than others (USAA

). What they have here is an opportunity to make someone else reimburse them for the claim (reality of this see pm). If they choose not to do this, then you should impress upon them that they should waive the deductible. Another bargaining point would be if you decide to use their 'preferred bodyshop', as the carrier gets a discount for work shilled to their preferred bodyshop. "If I use your shop, how about you waive the deductible." I do it a lot for other people, but have actually done it twice on my own vehicles and once on a home. Like I said--if you get it waived its a win. If you don't, it just depends on how bad you want the $500 back.

300EVIL · #29 05-24-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

No, its highly negotiable, but certain companies hold a harder line than others (USAA

). What they have here is an opportunity to make someone else reimburse them for the claim (reality of this see pm). If they choose not to do this, then you should impress upon them that they should waive the deductible. Another bargaining point would be if you decide to use their 'preferred bodyshop', as the carrier gets a discount for work shilled to their preferred bodyshop. "If I use your shop, how about you waive the deductible." I do it a lot for other people, but have actually done it twice on my own vehicles and once on a home. Like I said--if you get it waived its a win. If you don't, it just depends on how bad you want the $500 back.

I see, that makes sense. I'm willing to take the $500 hit but I would rather not. I just got off the phone with them again and they want to use a Mercedes dealer which is fine with me. The most important part to me is getting the car back to it's original condition. I don't want a slop job 500E.

Thanks for your time on this matter JD.

davestlouis · #30 05-25-2007, 10:41 PM

I may be missing something here, but who could they subrogate against? It's not like a brand new, out of the box suspension part failed due to a manufacturing defect. I don't get it.