Insurance Fraud? (repair, paperwork, estimate, liability)

[Skezo]

Just curious if this classifies as insurance fraud. Company I took it was was one of my insurances preferred spots to take it into for an estimate. Took them about a month to repair front of the car (Just cosmetic. Their initial bill was 2.5x what the estimate was. I then noticed a small problem with it literally 5 minutes after I picked it up. Took it right back by and when they were pulling it into the shop they hit a parked vehicle. Now they are also billing that damage to insurance - is that correct or illegal?

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Skezo

Just curious if this classifies as insurance fraud. Company I took it was was one of my insurances preferred spots to take it into for an estimate. Took them about a month to repair front of the car (Just cosmetic. Their initial bill was 2.5x what the estimate was. I then noticed a small problem with it literally 5 minutes after I picked it up. Took it right back by and when they were pulling it into the shop they hit a parked vehicle. Now they are also billing that damage to insurance - is that correct or illegal?

Whose insurance did they file a claim with, the insurance the shop probably (hopefully) carries or yours? It wouldn't be fraudulent to file with their own liability insurance. It is possible they also filed with yours on your behalf, but identified themselves as the at fault party. Unless you're privy to the claim paperwork how would you know the details?

[adjusterjack]

Originally Posted by Skezo

Now they are also billing that damage to insurance - is that correct or illegal?

Did you think to ask the shop owner what's going on?

Did you think to call your claims adjuster about what happened?

Maybe you should do that.

[CrazyChyk]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

Did you think to ask the shop owner what's going on?

Did you think to call your claims adjuster about what happened?

Maybe you should do that.

This....

But it's good that you're paying attention and questioning. Make sure you speak to your adjuster after you discuss with the shop owner.

[Skezo]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

Did you think to ask the shop owner what's going on?

Did you think to call your claims adjuster about what happened?

Maybe you should do that.

Wasn't sure what to do about it hence the thread.
I can say they have 6100 total for damages on receipt when it was finished and my insurance paid out that amount. They then asked for the bill back right after they damaged it and new "estimate" got 3 days later is 8100. Maybe there is another reason but looks like those damages were just added to my existing claim. I was leaning towards talking to insurance first because I've been extremly displeased with this shop.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by Skezo

Wasn't sure what to do about it hence the thread.
I can say they have 6100 total for damages on receipt when it was finished and my insurance paid out that amount. They then asked for the bill back right after they damaged it and new "estimate" got 3 days later is 8100. Maybe there is another reason but looks like those damages were just added to my existing claim. I was leaning towards talking to insurance first because I've been extremly displeased with this shop.

Talk to the adjuster to be certain.

It may be that your insurance is still primary and they pay for the second accident but then recover from the insurer of the garage as they were at fault.