Is your Auto Damage Estimate really fair?
Insurance companies will write the Auto Damage Estimate accounting for the depreciation of your vehicle. They will tell you that since they only owe you Actual Cash Value (the value of your car the day it was hit), then they owe you to fix that car with used parts.
The theory insurance companies like is that if you vehicle is a 99 Honda, then they should fix your car with parts that are made in 1999 (used parts). They do not want to put you in a better position that you were before the accident so they will put these parts in your vehicle.
The insurance company will then tell you that they will use After Market parts to fix your car. The Auto Damage Estimate will show that the adjuster is looking to put parts that are not from the factory. Why? Because these parts are cheaper! Insurance adjusters will argue that this part as good as factory parts, and you can entertain the debate if you like. I am not sure that these parts are necessarily equal, but I know that a compelling argument can be made.
If you are in this position, make sure you inspect the Auto Damage Estimate and call the places where the adjuster is telling you that the parts are coming from! Many times these parts are not in hand and it would be cheaper to the bet factory. Read more.
