Insurance Co. Finally Called Back

I left a voicemail with my claims adjuster at my insurance company this morning and she finally called back a few minutes ago. She told me what the Car Crackpot said, and I mentioned the points I disagreed with. The adjuster said she appreciated my pictures and that they would definitely compare them with the pictures that their agent takes in the next couple of days when he goes to look at the car.

I explained my concern that if she was able to get estimates on her own of what it would cost to repair the scratch that she might try and get inflated estimates and somehow get a brand new paint job out of it. The adjuster set my mind at ease and said, “She can get as many estimates as she wants, but our assessing agent is the one who determines how much the job should cost, and the repair shop will honor our price expectation. It’s a simple touch-up paint job. On actual car damage the differences can sometimes be negotiated, but not on something like this.” I then told her I was afraid that this woman might take me to small claims court because she was just that type of personality in my dealings with her. My adjuster said, “We’re going to try to help you avoid that at all costs. That’s why we’re here.”

I then said I was worried that my insurance rates would go up over something stupid like this, and she said, “You’ve been with us for 15 years with minimal negative activity on your record. Considering the type of ‘accident’ this is, your rates shouldn’t go up because of a chip in the paint.” So WOO HOO for that since they are already going to go up because of Denis’ accident a couple months back (did we ever post about that one – he side-swiped someone. WE’RE MENACES!!!).

Anyway, I’m feeling better about Car Crackpot Lady (for now) and I think my utter depression over the past few hours is gone. Maybe I just needed that fistful of super-sized chocolate M&Ms that I downed in one mouthful to the shock and awe of my co-workers who were in the cubicle when I did it. I’m sure that helped. So much so that I may go back for more.