Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
After an accident, obtain complete contact information for the other driver’s automobile insurance company.
Step2
Visit a new or used car sales manager at a dealership that sells your make and model car. Explain you need to verify the loss of value to your vehicle and obtain a written statement that verifies the amount.
Step3
Present the loss estimate to the insurance adjuster assigned to your case and make a formal request for reimbursement of this amount, over and above the costs of repairing the vehicle. Be prepared to negotiate the final amount. The initial estimate is just one person’s opinion, and the insurer is certainly entitled to present a counter expert opinion. In such cases, a meeting in the middle is usually a fair resolution.
Step4
Follow through on the request and require payment before signing any release for the at-fault driver.