how do you appeal an appraisers estimate for car repair?

how do you appeal an appraisers estimate for car repair?
I was rear-ended. And the at-faults insurance's estimate is about $1000- $1500 off from the estimates that I got from these shops. Can I contest this. I want my truck fixed it wasn't my fault the other guy wasn't paying attention. How long will it take? I want it fixed. But they want to use a reconditioned bumper. I want a factory bumber and painted where it needs to get done. I don't want to go through my insurance, I'm not in the position to pay the deductible. They want to recondition the bumper. at this point I don't care if it's an after market or an original toyota part. I just don't want a reconditioned one. I am having such a hard time reaching the claims department. Everyone seems to be away from there desk all day.


Answers:

BesiktasBob:  Sleep with them!
2007-08-20 16:04:02
Paul W:  You can ask for another estimate from a different place.....You don't have to stick with any repair shop, its a state law, you just go somewhere else. Depending on the job and how backed up they are it can be anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. Sounds like yours will be about 4 days.
2007-08-20 16:05:51
gremlingts:  As long as you have the patience. You have to realize that they may want to put cheaper foreign parts on your car to save money, not heavier-gauge parts from your OEM manufacturer. DON'T LET THEM. Tell them you DEMAND the correct parts, not aftermarket cheaper parts. Ask for a breakdown of the quote, and why it's lower. Unfortunately, Insurance companies are out to lose less money, so they'll low-ball you. You may have to take them to court even to get them to pay for the better parts. Sorry situation, but that's the biz. Good luck! - The Gremlin Guy -
2007-08-20 16:06:42
oklatom:  You appeal it by saying "The amount you are offering is too low. I have estimates in the amount of $______" They may agree. They may counter offer a lower amount. They may withdraw everything and force you to go into arbitration. Your best source of information and advice will be your insurance company.
2007-08-20 16:07:54
Coastcowboy:  Do you want your truck repaired or do you want the cash? You know, there's a good chance that the shop estimate is TOO HIGH....(no one ever seems to think that this can happen). If you can prove the estimate doesn't include enough repair time or proper parts to repair your vehicle to as near pre-loss condition as possible, they will pay. Why don't you go through your OWN carrier if you think you are being sharked?
2007-08-20 16:27:56
ccourier512002:  In the past when i have been in wreck-es i was always told go to three auto repair shops for estimates and take them to the insurence place and they chose the lowest.
2007-08-20 16:42:09
dmoon:  Go to a reputable shop, preferebly not one of the insurers 'preferred shop' and talk with the manager. I manage a shop in Texas, do you mind if i ask who is the insurance?
2007-08-20 16:48:10
fightingsaints:  This is really a very UN-complicated thing to resolve. -Pick a body shop of your choice -Take your truck there with a copy of the insurance company estimate. -The body shop mgr will call the insurance company and will discuss the price differences etc. Once they have an agreement the shop mgr will call you to explain it. This should take about two days. If you have a vehicle that is more than a year old and you want all brand new parts you are in for some disappointment. All states allow the insurance companies (including yours) to use LKQ parts (Like Kind Quality) which could be used OEM parts or "aftermarket parts made by somebody other than the company that made your truck). If you want band new parts you can have them but you will have to pay the difference in price. If the body shop you go to is reputable they will not put bad LKQ parts on your truck. It's their reputation on the line and they want you to leave a satisfied customer so let them work for you.
2007-08-20 18:30:05