My car (17 years old) met with an accident where it was the fault of other party and the damage was on the front bumper, side Pannel and left headlight. Since I had the dash cam, it was proved the accident was other party’s fault. I made the claim with my insurance (Allianz) since they said it will not impact my insurance premiums as well as claim status. They checked my accident via a repair shop near my home and given a cash settlement of $1500 and assessor stated that side Pannel has been poorly painted and they called it as poor workmanship, which might over painting it, When talk to the repair shop, they said they cannot repair for that amount, that is amount given by the Allianz assessor based on his assessment.
I immediately got a quote from another repair shop and they have quoted $3300, where they consider replacing the side Pannel rather repairing it since it is cost effective. I have submitted above quote to insurance company and stated that the given cash settlement is not enough and later made a complain to claim division for future escalation. After that my car was assessed by the same assessor at repair shop where I have got the above quote. After a week time, they came back with the same cash settlement amount.
As the next step, I had made a complaint to AFCA hoping to get the right amount and they have given time to settle this issue within ourselves before they get involved. During this time, insurance company reached me and given the offer of $2000 as cash settlement (giving additional $500) which I have rejected, since the lowest quote I have received to repair is $3300. Further, internal damage to car is only will be known once the front bumper is removed.
At this stage I am waiting for AFCA action further on this. I just want know whether I am going on the right track and is there any other things I should consider ?
Thanks for your time on reading my concern and appreciate for your reply in advance.
All the answers will be in your policy/PDS. Preferred repairer..dispute resolution etc. You haven't specified a timeline.. AFCA case sounds premature .
Are you suggesting the low value is due to insurer claiming panel was poorly finished prior to the accident?
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