Car Damaged by a Hurricane? Wait before you file your Claim or Make Repairs…
The storm is clearing and soon after you evaluate the damage to your home you think about your vehicle. You may have dings, dents, and scratches or you may have more severe damage that could result in a total loss. So, when Should you file your claim?
Well, that all depends. Something to consider is if you want to claim your damage at all. “Wait, I wouldn’t want to claim my damage”? Many times, no. Repairs paid for by your insurance company will be reported against your vehicle and show up on a vehicle history report, or what many know as a “Carfax”. The moment damage is reported against your vehicle it has earned the label of having a “Dirty Carfax” and has instantly lost value and become more difficult to sell. Think of how many questions that guy from craigslist will ask you when he finds out there was a repair done…. This being said, you need to determine how much less you could expect for your car with a damage report and then weigh that against the cost of the repairs. Most people can’t afford to pay out of pocket to avoid losing more money down the road, but for those who can, this option certainly should be considered.
For those who are filing a claim, DO NOT REPAIR ANYTHING until the insurance adjuster has physically seen the vehicle. Insurance companies MUST inspect the vehicle before deciding to pay for a repair and if you begin a repair before this can be done you risk your claim not being paid. You are, however, allowed to make changes to the vehicle if it’s to make it drive-able until the adjuster arrives. For example, if your bumper is hanging on the ground, driving could result in the bumper falling off completely. So, feel free to remove the bumper or temporarily prop it up but make sure to take pictures a long the way.
If you have any other question feel free to ask and I will personally answer as I personally also just experience #HurricaneIrma in South Florida.
-Steve Momot (CEO and Founder) Autohitch.com
