While working one night delivering pizzas, I was inside the store where a guy backed into my car parked outside. I got estimates done at 2 different body shops, one quoted me at approx 1200, the other around 1000. I preferred the 2nd one, because it is closer to the base, and a little more involved with the youth programs on base as well. I saw the Little League teams the owner had sponsored from on base. I told the guy when I gave him both estimates that I'd rather go with the 1000 dollar shop, and explained why. He sent the higher estimate to his insurance company, and I received my check for close to 1200 dollars. I got a call from the 1200 dollar company today asking if I'd received my check and when I'd be bringing the car in. Would I be committing fraud if i went to the 1000 dollar shop instead of the 1200 dollar shop?
Did they make the check out to you and the body shop. That is normally what happens.
If it is just made out to you then nobody will now. However it would be breaking the
rules in Wisconsin. You can call your state's Insurance Commission. They will tell you
and you want get traced or anything like that.
I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so............
I got the check, and deposited it into my account, until I can decide what i want to do. i don't want to intentionally defraud the insurance company, but I'd feel better going with the base oriented body shop. The Estimate of Record has the Inspect Location as the $1200 shop, as well as the repair facility.
Well just go to the body shop of your choice and once the work is done if the $1200 is not used up(it is only an estimate. It could be more that 1000) call the adjuster up and ask him where to send the extra money back.
I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so............
got the number for the insurance commission, I'll call in the morning. Would I go through Montana's or Texas'. He's got USAA insurance, and they're based in Texas
Alright - sorry I haven't seen this yet. First things first. You are not committing insurance fraud no matter what you do. You don't even have to fix the car. You can pocket the money and live with the dent. Here's why:
The insurance company is not paying to fix your car. They are compensating you for the damage caused by their insured. What you do with the money is your business. If you are not happy with the payment, you could sue the driver. His insurance company would have to defend him and whatever you might win the insurance company would have to pay up but less what they already paid you.
Insurance fraud occurs when you were never damaged and made a false claim or colluded with someone to fake a claim. Here, you were damaged, you got estimates and the insurance company cut a check. Plain and simple. Whether you fix the car or not, the insurance company has compensated you for damage suffered.
And if this still doesn't help you sleep at night, you might find out that the 'estimate' you received will go up by the time they are done.
insurance fraud?
