My parked truck was hit in a parking lot and the tailgate and back bumper were caved in on impact. An insurance person from the other party came and appraised it while I wasn't home and sent me a measly check for the repairs along with an estimate that didn't seem adequate to the damage that had occurred to my truck (plus it contained repairs with replacement parts and I'd like for them to be genuine). Am I required to accept this check or can I get my own estimate and send that in for a re-evaluation?

I once had that happen to me... very similar and upsetting since I advised the claims adjuster that I wanted to think about his offer to write me a check on the spot... I do think you have a right to obtain you own estimate... then try submitting it to the ins company but do not cash their check... if you will note on the back of the check, you will probably see that you are agreeing that the check is in for final, full payment settling the claim... if they have an issue, try placing all correspondence in writing and if you cannot accept their written offer in response, contact the insurance dept for your state ---- by all means, copy the insurance company on your correspondence to the ins dept. I would be willing to bet you get a call offering to accpept your estimate.

Of course you have the right to refuse this check. You need to get one or two estimates and tell them what the check is you need to fix it.

If they refuse, merely sue the person who hit you.

You can also just take the vehicle to a shop of your choice, do not give them the check or cash it yourself, hold on to it, let them fix it and they can communicate with the claims adjuster on the other side if there is any other damages to your car or any changes that need to be made, then the insurance company can send another check to make sure the entire thing is paid.

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Originally Posted by Jake777

My parked truck was hit in a parking lot and the tailgate and back bumper were caved in on impact. An insurance person from the other party came and appraised it while I wasn't home and sent me a measly check for the repairs along with an estimate that didn't seem adequate to the damage that had occured to my truck (plus it contained repairs with replacement parts and I'd like for them to be genuine). Am I required to accept this check or can I get my own estimate and send that in for a re-evaluation?

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You can get it done yourself I wouldn't accept anything unless you believed it to be fair on YOUR part