process for settling an accident claim

[egeefay]

What is the name of your state?
California

My nephew was rear ended recently. The accident cause a minor dent to his rear bumper
Since he was not at fault he filed a claim though the other guys insurance company
Now they want to come out and estimate how much damage was done.

My concern is that they are going to underestimate the cost of repairs because their guy was at fault and they want to shell out as little as they can.

I told my nephew not to deal with them but to take the car to 3 body shops for estimates
and submit the three estimates to the guys insurance company.

I've never been involved in an accident before so I am not sure what the procedure is.
Is this something that my nephews insurance company should go to bat for him.

Or will they figure that since it's not my nephews fault, why get involved. Just let my nephew work it out for himself. After all, they care whether my newphew gets a dime. As long as it doesn't come out of their pockets

 

[JETX]

I've never been involved in an accident before so I am not sure what the procedure is.

Wow!!! Your nephew got a real expert on this one, huh??
Let the other party's insurance come out and make an estimate.
At the same time, he can get all the estimates he wants to verify their numbers.
If he doesn't like the offer they make, he can file a lawsuit against the other driver and let the court decide.

 

[moburkes]

What is the name of your state?
California

My nephew was rear ended recently. The accident cause a minor dent to his rear bumper
Since he was not at fault he filed a claim though the other guys insurance company
Now they want to come out and estimate how much damage was done.

My concern is that they are going to underestimate the cost of repairs because their guy was at fault and they want to shell out as little as they can.

I told my nephew not to deal with them but to take the car to 3 body shops for estimates
and submit the three estimates to the guys insurance company.

I've never been involved in an accident before so I am not sure what the procedure is.
Is this something that my nephews insurance company should go to bat for him.

Or will they figure that since it's not my nephews fault, why get involved. Just let my nephew work it out for himself. After all, they care whether my newphew gets a dime. As long as it doesn't come out of their pockets

Have your nephew read his insurance policy. In order to get HELP from the insurance company, he is required to COOPERATE with them. They aren't asking for the moon. They're making sure that the damage did occur, verifying the extent of the damage (remember their customer may also file a claim for the damage to his vehicle if it is over his deductible), and will be able to offer a fair settlement based on their findings. Of course its okay for your nephew to get estimates.