“A dude backed into the driver’s door of my sister’s ‘95 Sebring. The estimates ranged from $1500 to $3500. Her insurance company wanted to write the car off even though it was rust free and had only 45k on it. This was in 2011. Once the insurance company’s adjuster actually looked at the car, they fixed it.”
Some variables that can affect the estimate amount are use of OEM new parts vs. OEM used or aftermarket parts, decisions to repair or replace parts (it can be a legitimate judgement call), and differences of opinion on the cost to repair parts. And it’s not just the dollar amount of damage that determines whether to repair or total a vehicle - other things insurance companies factor into the equation are the value of the salvage (which partially offsets their loss if it’s totaled) and the cost of rental (which increases their loss if it’s repaired and rental coverage is applicable). In addition, there are certain components that, if the damage to those components are severe enough, render the vehicle unrepairable even if the dollar amount of damages don’t (i.e., it can’t be restored to its pre-loss condition).
An interesting attempt at justifying the lies and borderline fraud perpetrated by the insurance industry AS A GROUP.
I currently drive a very good condition ‘97 Lincoln that I paid a whopping $900 for 10 years ago. I have not made an insurance claim in over 20 years, and my last ticket was around 6 years ago.
My insurance rate for pleasure use only / under 7000 miles/year has never dropped below $800/year. Oh, and that is absolute barest minimum coverage. No collision, no comprehensive, just pl and pd.
A guy backed into me in a parking lot, and the insurance company decided we were both half at fault, even though I was parked. (Same insurance company btw).
The only thing worse than insurance companies is not having insurance.