After an accident that was not your fault, the other party's insurance company will often try to settle the claim through its own motor vehicle assessor.
What to Do When the Other Insurance Company Wants to Appoint a Car Expert?
After an accident where you are not at fault, it is not uncommon for the opposing insurance company to attempt to settle the damage through their own car expert. But what does this mean for you as the victim, and how should you behave in this situation? Here’s a guide to help you protect your rights and ensure that the damage is correctly assessed.
1. What Rights Do I Have as an Accident Victim?
If you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, you have the right to appoint an independent car expert. Many insurance companies offer to send their own car experts to assess the damage. This is known as the insurance company’s “damage management.”
What You Should Know: The insurance’s car expert works primarily in the insurance company’s interest and often tries to minimize the damage.
Tip: Politely decline the insurance company's offer and insist on an independent expert. An independent car expert will assess the damage objectively and fairly, which is crucial for a fair compensation.
2. Why is an Independent Car Expert Important?
A car expert appointed by the insurance company might underestimate the damage because they are obligated to the insurance. This could mean that the damage isn’t fully recorded or that cheaper repair methods are suggested, which may not be in your best interest.
Example: If body damage after an accident isn’t thoroughly examined, hidden damages like frame or axle distortions could be overlooked. An independent car expert, on the other hand, will examine the damage in detail and thoroughly and include any potential follow-up damages in their assessment.
3. How Should I Behave If the Insurance Sends a Car Expert?
It is perfectly legitimate to decline the insurance's offer to send their own expert. Politely inform the insurance company that you have already appointed an independent car expert. You are not obligated to accept the insurance’s car expert.
If you still choose to go with the insurance’s expert, it is advisable to have the expert’s findings reviewed by an independent expert.
4. What Should I Do If the Insurance Insists on a Re-inspection?
In certain cases, the insurance may require a re-inspection, especially if there are doubts about the extent of the damage or the cause of the accident. You are not required to agree without a valid reason. If a re-inspection is requested, always involve your independent car expert to ensure that your interests are protected.
Conclusion
As a victim of an accident, you should always assert your right to an independent car expert. This ensures that the damage is fully and fairly assessed, and you receive the compensation you are entitled to. An insurance-appointed expert might assess the damage in favor of the insurance.
Further Evidence Collection Tools – Dashcams
To be on the safe side, we’ve selected some recommended dashcams for you. With a dashcam, you always have reliable video proof on hand, which can help clarify the question of fault.