Accident — Nashville Help

[andi91210]

Hi all. I bought a 2021 Telluride SX (glacier white with nightfall and prestige package) in June 2021. Four weeks later, someone hit me in a four way stop. The damage does not look “that bad” from the photos, but was structural / frame damage is significant. Thank god my children weren’t in car. It’s now been almost FIVE weeks since the accident. The car repair business (highly recommended by insurance and personal recommendations) is quoting $36K of damage; Progressive is saying $18K with no repairs actually started. Progressive refuses to budge on $$ and now car repair is refusing to do work. The car cost about $55K includ tax / title. What do I do? Do I hire a lawyer (already planning to do so for diminished value)? Who do you know in Nashville area that is exceptionally good at repair? Thank you.

 

[jw_tx21]

Hi all. I bought a 2021 Telluride SX In June 2021. Four weeks later, someone hit me in a four way stop. The damage does not look “that bad” from the photos, but was structural / frame damage is significant. Thank god my children weren’t in car. It’s now been almost FIVE weeks since the accident. The car repair business (highly recommended by insurance and personal recommendations) is quoting $36K of damage; Progressive is saying $18K with no repairs actually started. Progressive refuses to budge on $$ and now car repair is refusing to do work. The car cost about $55K includ tax / title. What do I do? Do I hire a lawyer (already planning to do so for diminished value)? Who do you know in Nashville area that is exceptionally good at repair? Thank you.

Try a different repair shop that works with Progressive. It looks like $18k worth of damage - $36k seems ridiculously high. But, I haven't evaluated the vehicle. You'll need to find a shop that works with Progressive's adjusters and get it worked out. Way too soon for a lawyer... that would ultimately cost you more than the damage.

 

[JRebel]

Try a different repair shop that works with Progressive. It looks like $18k worth of damage - $36k seems ridiculously high. But, I haven't evaluated the vehicle. You'll need to find a shop that works with Progressive's adjusters and get it worked out. Way too soon for a lawyer... that would ultimately cost you more than the damage.

I agree find another shop that works with Progressive. Years ago I had an accident like yours… took it to two different shops. One was almost double the other. Don’t know why. The other shop was very close to what the adjuster estimated the work to cost.

 

[arattle]

Try a different repair shop that works with Progressive. It looks like $18k worth of damage - $36k seems ridiculously high. But, I haven't evaluated the vehicle. You'll need to find a shop that works with Progressive's adjusters and get it worked out. Way too soon for a lawyer... that would ultimately cost you more than the damage.

I agree find another shop that works with Progressive. Years ago I had an accident like yours… took it to two different shops. One was almost double the other. Don’t know why. The other shop was very close to what the adjuster estimated the work to cost.

Agree with both above posts. The shop is trying to get paid, try a different shop. Estimating tools are pretty universal and automatically calculate parts/labor allowances as well as paint, etc. There should not be such a huge discrepancy. Frame damage would be a problem, but from the pictures there are only a few panels plus tailgate that need to be replaced....Still, 18k should take care of it.

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[andi91210]

Try a different repair shop that works with Progressive. It looks like $18k worth of damage - $36k seems ridiculously high. But, I haven't evaluated the vehicle. You'll need to find a shop that works with Progressive's adjusters and get it worked out. Way too soon for a lawyer... that would ultimately cost you more than the damage.

Thank you! Progressive / the adjuster worked with this repair shop (in the past and over last four weeks for our claim). Sounds like the repair shop says the most expensive damage is structural behind the left quarter panel, which appears to not “look bad” (just a dent) but is worse than it seems. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[andi91210]

Agree with both above posts. The shop is trying to get paid, try a different shop. Estimating tools are pretty universal and automatically calculate parts/labor allowances as well as paint, etc. There should not be such a huge discrepancy. Frame damage would be a problem, but from the pictures there are only a few panels plus tailgate that need to be replaced....Still, 18k should take care of it.

Thank you! This makes me feel better.

 

[andi91210]

I agree find another shop that works with Progressive. Years ago I had an accident like yours… took it to two different shops. One was almost double the other. Don’t know why. The other shop was very close to what the adjuster estimated the work to cost.

Thank you! How long did the damages take? I guess I’m paranoid that the shop quoting $36K is right and that Progressive is nickeling and diming them. But it sounds like it’s fairly common to have to try two shops before work gets done. Thank you again!

 

[NCBill]

Thank you! How long did the damages take? I guess I’m paranoid that the shop quoting $36K is right and that Progressive is nickeling and diming them. But it sounds like it’s fairly common to have to try two shops before work gets done. Thank you again!

It comes down to this, either shop 1 is right, or shop 2 is right.

Right now, you do not know. The next steps are easy, and don't involve lawyers.

Have a conversation with shop #2 right now. Something like, "your bid was WAY lower than the other bid I got. The other body shop mentioned hidden damage xyz, did you notice it and is it included in your bid?" Sometimes they miss stuff. Then I would get a third bid, and tell the body shop, "I am really confused, one shop told me it had extensive hidden damage, the other told me it was fine."

Sometimes shops just don't want to do the work so they bid way high to keep from doing it. And if somehow they get the job, OK, they make a lot of money on it.

Back in my manufacturing days, we had a real PITA customer. Rather than cut them off, we doubled the price hoping they would just go away on their own (because 3/4 of our cost was in materials, doubling our price meant 5 times the profit). Instead, they took the price increase and we learned to love them!


Get some help on diminished value! Buyers hate. hate, hate, buying repaired cars. And if it is actually $36K, thats some serious damage. If the Carfax report mentions frame damage, that will be bad! Obviously, what we see doesn't look that bad, but what if shop #1 is right? None of us can see that in a computer picture.


With diminished value and repair, if bid #1 is correct, you are approaching a total. Which seems insane from that picture.

Realize if Progressive totaled your car, they would turn around and auction it off. I bet they could get $25K, maybe even $30K for it as it sits.

Total Loss Threshold by State - Total Loss Appraisals - Appraisal Engine Inc

The Total Loss Threshold is the dollar amount or percentage of value that triggers an automobile’s being declared a total loss by the insurance company. This amount differs from state to state, please review the table below to learn which method your insurance carrier will use to determine if...

totallossappraisals.com

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[NCBill]

And take a look at this one, which was a $37K repair. Go to page two on the thread, as it is a second car that was wrecked and repaired. Air bag deployment typically raises repair cost and increases diminished value. Night and day difference in crash severity. I'm starting to agree with Progressive. One thing about insurance companies, they see multiple claims every day, probably multiple per hour. So they do get a feel for this type of thing. Individuals like you or me might have one crash in a lifetime or one per decade. And on the other wreck I mentioned, pretty surprised insurance did not total the car.


Regardless, with two dramatically different bids, I'd be getting a third. Something just isn't right. As an old engineer, I was always taught "In God we trust, everyone else needs data." In your case, I'd get more data (another bid).

Totaled Telluride

Greetings. I thought since I may be one of the earlier Telluride owners to have a total loss I would share our experience. 2021 AWD SX Prestige w/tow, moss green/Napa grey. while stopped at a red light waiting to turn left, a young 23 year old girl in a porche courtesy Vehicle took a right turn...

tellurideforum.org

 

[andi91210]

I agree find another shop that works with Progressive. Years ago I had an accident like yours… took it to two different shops. One was almost double the other. Don’t know why. The other shop was very close to what the adjuster estimated the work to cost.

Thank you! How long did the damages take? I guess I’m paranoid that the shop quoting $36K is right and that Progressive is nickeling and diming them. But it sounds like it’s fairly common to have to try two shops before work gets done.

It comes down to this, either shop 1 is right, or shop 2 is right.

Right now, you do not know. The next steps are easy, and don't involve lawyers.

Have a conversation with shop #2 right now. Something like, "your bid was WAY lower than the other bid I got. The other body shop mentioned hidden damage xyz, did you notice it and is it included in your bid?" Sometimes they miss stuff. Then I would get a third bid, and tell the body shop, "I am really confused, one shop told me it had extensive hidden damage, the other told me it was fine."

Sometimes shops just don't want to do the work so they bid way high to keep from doing it. And if somehow they get the job, OK, they make a lot of money on it.

Back in my manufacturing days, we had a real PITA customer. Rather than cut them off, we doubled the price hoping they would just go away on their own (because 3/4 of our cost was in materials, doubling our price meant 5 times the profit). Instead, they took the price increase and we learned to love them!


Get some help on diminished value! Buyers hate. hate, hate, buying repaired cars. And if it is actually $36K, thats some serious damage. If the Carfax report mentions frame damage, that will be bad! Obviously, what we see doesn't look that bad, but what if shop #1 is right? None of us can see that in a computer picture.


With diminished value and repair, if bid #1 is correct, you are approaching a total. Which seems insane from that picture.

Realize if Progressive totaled your car, they would turn around and auction it off. I bet they could get $25K, maybe even $30K for it as it sits.

Total Loss Threshold by State - Total Loss Appraisals - Appraisal Engine Inc

The Total Loss Threshold is the dollar amount or percentage of value that triggers an automobile’s being declared a total loss by the insurance company. This amount differs from state to state, please review the table below to learn which method your insurance carrier will use to determine if...

totallossappraisals.com

It comes down to this, either shop 1 is right, or shop 2 is right.

Right now, you do not know. The next steps are easy, and don't involve lawyers.

Have a conversation with shop #2 right now. Something like, "your bid was WAY lower than the other bid I got. The other body shop mentioned hidden damage xyz, did you notice it and is it included in your bid?" Sometimes they miss stuff. Then I would get a third bid, and tell the body shop, "I am really confused, one shop told me it had extensive hidden damage, the other told me it was fine."

Sometimes shops just don't want to do the work so they bid way high to keep from doing it. And if somehow they get the job, OK, they make a lot of money on it.

Back in my manufacturing days, we had a real PITA customer. Rather than cut them off, we doubled the price hoping they would just go away on their own (because 3/4 of our cost was in materials, doubling our price meant 5 times the profit). Instead, they took the price increase and we learned to love them!


Get some help on diminished value! Buyers hate. hate, hate, buying repaired cars. And if it is actually $36K, thats some serious damage. If the Carfax report mentions frame damage, that will be bad! Obviously, what we see doesn't look that bad, but what if shop #1 is right? None of us can see that in a computer picture.


With diminished value and repair, if bid #1 is correct, you are approaching a total. Which seems insane from that picture.

Realize if Progressive totaled your car, they would turn around and auction it off. I bet they could get $25K, maybe even $30K for it as it sits.

Total Loss Threshold by State - Total Loss Appraisals - Appraisal Engine Inc

The Total Loss Threshold is the dollar amount or percentage of value that triggers an automobile’s being declared a total loss by the insurance company. This amount differs from state to state, please review the table below to learn which method your insurance carrier will use to determine if...

totallossappraisals.com

Thank you. This is really helpful. The situation has been a mess. It sounds like right now the next best step is to get a quote from another Progressive approved shop. We are hiring a lawyer for diminished value, but sounds like that could take a long time. Honestly I wish they would just consider it a total at this point (which the shop recommended based on repair time and amount of repairs) but it sounds like Progressive doesn’t think the damages are 75% of the vehicle’s total value or that they would get a lot at auction (which surprised me because obviously it’s brand new and the entire front / right side of car appears fine). Really appreciate your detailed reply!

 

[RebelRide411]

SOO sorry for that @andi91210---this is just horrible. I've dealt with this situation before & Progressive pulled the same crap with me...back & forth, back & forth. They are absolutely known for lowballing claims, & they bank on the fact that MOST people just accept the first #'s they throw out & will never actually know the true cost of replacement to "put you back where you were" before the accident. BUT: that was a head on collision w/a 10 point Buck on a MS Highway--NOT when someone else rear-ended my brand new $55k vehicle!

I'm not real clear: Is Progressive YOUR Insurance? Or, the at-fault party's? If Progressive is your insurer...WHY on earth would they be lowballing you?!? Assuming you carried a full coverage policy--the premiums you've paid pay mean that you & your Insurer have entered into an indemnity contract to protect YOU from financial loss It is their obligation to ensure that you are "made whole" after any accident--that's THE whole point of carrying full comprehensive/collision. Even more so in cases such as this: when you are NOT at fault, then the at-fault driver's insurer is responsible for the repair costs and medical bills. If recovering expenses from the other driver's insurance company is delayed for any reason, then your insurance will often step in to help pay these repairs and other bills (again, you are INDEMNIFIED). Through the process of Subrogation, your Insurer has legal standing to act "in your place", and are afforded the right to legally pursue & recoup--any & all costs (medical payments, repairs, even your deductible), from the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Again, none of this should fall on YOU. There's absolutely NO reason you should even need to be stressed out by the "at-fault party's" Insurance Company....and YOUR insurance shouldn't stand for it. Are they truly prepared to accept the liability of placing you back on the street...in a structurally compromised vehicle? With children who ride in the back end? If they ARE--I'd be looking for a new insurer once this is all said & done.

....If you can get to Beaman Auto Body in Nashville or Murfreesboro--ask them to perform a "Frame & Uni-body Structural Appraisal/Assessment". They're pretty well respected in both Davidson & Rutherford Counties. They can assess the damage, & explain not only the overall cost to repair, but more importantly--they are very familiar with just how much LESS vehicles are worth on resale---if they've ever had a structural issue. Be assured: it won't be pretty.

Hope some of this is helpful....God Bless!

 

[andi91210]

SOO sorry for that @andi91210---this is just horrible. I've dealt with this situation before & Progressive pulled the same crap with me...back & forth, back & forth. They are absolutely known for lowballing claims, & they bank on the fact that MOST people just accept the first #'s they throw out & will never actually know the true cost of replacement to "put you back where you were" before the accident. BUT: that was a head on collision w/a 10 point Buck on a MS Highway--NOT when someone else rear-ended my brand new $55k vehicle!

I'm not real clear: Is Progressive YOUR Insurance? Or, the at-fault party's? If Progressive is your insurer...WHY on earth would they be lowballing you?!? Assuming you carried a full coverage policy--the premiums you've paid pay mean that you & your Insurer have entered into an indemnity contract to protect YOU from financial loss It is their obligation to ensure that you are "made whole" after any accident--that's THE whole point of carrying full comprehensive/collision. Even more so in cases such as this: when you are NOT at fault, then the at-fault driver's insurer is responsible for the repair costs and medical bills. If recovering expenses from the other driver's insurance company is delayed for any reason, then your insurance will often step in to help pay these repairs and other bills (again, you are INDEMNIFIED). Through the process of Subrogation, your Insurer has legal standing to act "in your place", and are afforded the right to legally pursue & recoup--any & all costs (medical payments, repairs, even your deductible), from the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Again, none of this should fall on YOU. There's absolutely NO reason you should even need to be stressed out by the "at-fault party's" Insurance Company....and YOUR insurance shouldn't stand for it. Are they truly prepared to accept the liability of placing you back on the street...in a structurally compromised vehicle? With children who ride in the back end? If they ARE--I'd be looking for a new insurer once this is all said & done.

....If you can get to Beaman Auto Body in Nashville or Murfreesboro--ask them to perform a "Frame & Uni-body Structural Appraisal/Assessment". They're pretty well respected in both Davidson & Rutherford Counties. They can assess the damage, & explain not only the overall cost to repair, but more importantly--they are very familiar with just how much LESS vehicles are worth on resale---if they've ever had a structural issue. Be assured: it won't be pretty.

Hope some of this is helpful....God Bless!

Thank you so much. This is really helpful. Progressive is our insurance, and it’s been a really awful experience so far. I was not at fault, but the other drivers insurance has still not yet accepted liability despite police report, witness statement, driver admission etc. Our car is actually being towed for Beaman’s today (from Andrew’s Cadillac - the one quoting 36K of damages). We will call tomorrow and specifically ask about the Frame & Uni-body Structural Appraisal/Assessment you mentioned. When you say “it won’t be pretty” do you mean the diminished value piece? We are planning to hire a lawyer to go after that; right now just want a car. (Ours fixed back to like new condition or a new car would have been ideal if they considered it a total loss which it sounds like they aren’t). Thank you!

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[arattle]

Thank you so much. This is really helpful. Progressive is our insurance, and it’s been a really awful experience so far. I was not at fault, but the other drivers insurance has still not yet accepted liability despite police report, witness statement, driver admission etc. Our car is actually being towed for Beaman’s today (from Andrew’s Cadillac - the one quoting 36K of damages). We will call tomorrow and specifically ask about the Frame & Uni-body Structural Appraisal/Assessment you mentioned. When you say “it won’t be pretty” do you mean the diminished value piece? We are planning to hire a lawyer to go after that; right now just want a car. (Ours fixed back to like new condition or a new car would have been ideal if they considered it a total loss which it sounds like they aren’t). Thank you!

Just as a point of comparison, my wife's car was totaled last year when someone turned left in front of her. I was impressed with Progressive (my insurance), they took the case out of my hands completely and handled it with the other insurance company. Initially I tried dealing with the at fault driver's insurance myself, but they wanted to assign my wife 10% fault for failing to stop (she had no chance, it was 5 ft in front of her at 50 mph). Progressive said "no way", paid out total loss value within two days (much higher than we expected, taxes included), and fought to get our deductible refunded since it was not our fault. Hopefully they will help you as well.

What normally happens with independent repair shops, is they basically have to accept insurance company adjustor's estimate as a baseline. If they find something else later, they can file for a supplemental reimbursement. Sounds like this shop either doesn't work with Progressive, doesn't want the work, or wants to game the system. $36k would be possible if you had air bag deployment, clear frame or crumple zone collapse, major drivetrain damage....but it honestly doesn't look like that. And I wouldn't expect my insurance to write a blank check for any estimate a crooked shop comes up with. Good luck tomorrow.

 

[andi91210]

Just as a point of comparison, my wife's car was totaled last year when someone turned left in front of her. I was impressed with Progressive (my insurance), they took the case out of my hands completely and handled it with the other insurance company. Initially I tried dealing with the at fault driver's insurance myself, but they wanted to assign my wife 10% fault for failing to stop (she had no chance, it was 5 ft in front of her at 50 mph). Progressive said "no way", paid out total loss value within two days (much higher than we expected, taxes included), and fought to get our deductible refunded since it was not our fault. Hopefully they will help you as well.

What normally happens with independent repair shops, is they basically have to accept insurance company adjustor's estimate as a baseline. If they find something else later, they can file for a supplemental reimbursement. Sounds like this shop either doesn't work with Progressive, doesn't want the work, or wants to game the system. $36k would be possible if you had air bag deployment, clear frame or crumple zone collapse, major drivetrain damage....but it honestly doesn't look like that. And I wouldn't expect my insurance to write a blank check for any estimate a crooked shop comes up with. Good luck tomorrow.

Thank you for your response! This is helpful info.

 

[Batman3365]

That looks worse than my accident I had today. I thought they total the car if damages are greater than $12k? Is that not the case?

Here are pics of my accident.

 

[arattle]

That looks worse than my accident I had today. I thought they total the car if damages are greater than $12k? Is that not the case?

Here are pics of my accident.

Yeah, if your car is worth ~12k.

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[jw_tx21]

That looks worse than my accident I had today. I thought they total the car if damages are greater than $12k? Is that not the case?

Here are pics of my accident.

Sorry about your accident. Hope everyone was safe. The decision to total a vehicle depends on the repair cost to market value. Your insurance company will make the call after an adjuster reviews the damage. In your case, the airbags deployed which means the repair cost will escalate. Although the damage looks like less than OP, it could be more costly to repair because of airbags and the location of impact.

 

[andi91210]

That looks worse than my accident I had today. I thought they total the car if damages are greater than $12k? Is that not the case?

Here are pics of my accident.

Oh I’m so sorry. I was told they total if damage repair costs are 75% of vehicle’s value (in TN). What’s interesting is that they base it off the market value and where we live, similar Telluride / trim level are going for $10-15K over what we paid (I bought it in Ohio for MSRP). I assumed They would base it off what we paid!

 

[RebelRide411]

Thank you so much. This is really helpful. Progressive is our insurance, and it’s been a really awful experience so far. I was not at fault, but the other drivers insurance has still not yet accepted liability despite police report, witness statement, driver admission etc. Our car is actually being towed for Beaman’s today (from Andrew’s Cadillac - the one quoting 36K of damages). We will call tomorrow and specifically ask about the Frame & Uni-body Structural Appraisal/Assessment you mentioned. When you say “it won’t be pretty” do you mean the diminished value piece? We are planning to hire a lawyer to go after that; right now just want a car. (Ours fixed back to like new condition or a new car would have been ideal if they considered it a total loss which it sounds like they aren’t). Thank you!

Sorry, been on vacation & just now circling back to this. YES: the "it won't be pretty" comment was in reference to your car's actual resale value--IF it does have "structural damage" (even if it is repaired properly). You can think of it like a soda (or tennis ball) can--if it gets a "crinkle"--you can straighten it out, but it will always and forever be "weakened" at that particular point. For that reason, most buyers at auction wouldn't touch it. And retail buyers even LESS. Heck, many insurance companies won't even give you a policy on a vehicle that's had structural issues (too much liability).

Make no mistake: YOUR insurance, Progressive, has GOT to get on top of this situation. Again, your policy is an indemnification contract...thus, they should "make you whole". Following this, through Subrogation process, they can recoup the damages from the other party & the "Third Party Insurer"--filing a lawsuit if they have to. It happens all the time. YOU...should most definitely NOT be the one carrying this burden.

Stay on Progressive. Know your policy. Copy & paste the language that shows the indemnification clause. If they continue to jack around, let them know that you're going to be forced to hire an attorney AND that you will be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau as well as the TN & Federal Consumer Protection Agencies:

File a Complaint

File Complaint with BBB: Start with Trust | Better Business Bureau

Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Hope that helps...GOOD LUCK to you!!

 

[andi91210]

H

Hi all. I bought a 2021 Telluride SX (glacier white with nightfall and prestige package) in June 2021. Four weeks later, someone hit me in a four way stop. The damage does not look “that bad” from the photos, but was structural / frame damage is significant. Thank god my children weren’t in car. It’s now been almost FIVE weeks since the accident. The car repair business (highly recommended by insurance and personal recommendations) is quoting $36K of damage; Progressive is saying $18K with no repairs actually started. Progressive refuses to budge on $$ and now car repair is refusing to do work. The car cost about $55K includ tax / title. What do I do? Do I hire a lawyer (already planning to do so for diminished value)? Who do you know in Nashville area that is exceptionally good at repair? Thank you.

Thank you for all of your suggestions. My Telluride is now at a second shop and the repair is estimated at $22K. Both shops confirmed the car needs a new roof and inner (inter?) quarter panel on left side. The accident took place SEVEN weeks ago. The hold up now is that two parts (the roof and the quarter panel) are “on back order with no estimated release date”. We’re told the parts don’t exist and they have no idea when the parts will. They cannot do other repairs until they get these parts. I’m not sure what to do at this point, if anything. Our car has been in the shop for twice as long as we’ve owned it, and it’s a brand new vehicle that we have no idea when we will get back. What should I do? We were going to hire a lawyer for diminished value (eventually) but is there any point in reaching out now? What else is there? Thank you for your time.