I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not sure it’s always worth shelling out for a third-party inspector unless you know your insurance will actually take their findings seriously. A buddy of mine tried that route after a hail claim on his ‘72 Chevelle, thinking it’d speed things up. Instead, the adjuster basically shrugged off the independent report and just did their own thing anyway. He was out a few hundred bucks and still had to fight tooth and nail for a fair payout.
It might depend on the company or even the specific adjuster you get stuck with. Some seem more open to outside opinions, but others act like anything not stamped by their office is just noise. Personally, I’d rather document everything myself—photos, receipts, even videos—before bringing in someone else. At least then you’ve got your own ammo if things get messy. Just my two cents... insurance stuff always feels like a roll of the dice.
I’ve always wondered—has anyone actually had luck getting their insurance to accept a third-party inspector’s report in South Dakota? Or is it pretty much standard for them to just ignore anything that’s not from their own folks? I’ve only ever done the photo-and-receipt route myself, but maybe I’m missing something.
I’ve wondered about this too, honestly. Every time I’ve had to deal with insurance here, they’ve insisted on sending their own adjuster out—like it’s some sacred ritual or something. I tried once to use a mechanic’s report when my old Subaru got rear-ended, but the claims person barely glanced at it. They just wanted their guy’s photos and notes.
I stick to the photo-and-receipt method too, mostly because it seems like less hassle (and cheaper—those inspection fees add up). Maybe there’s some obscure policy that lets you use a third-party report, but if there is, I haven’t cracked the code yet. Has anyone actually gotten insurance to budge on this? Or is it just one of those “nice in theory, impossible in practice” things?
I’m all for saving a buck where I can, but insurance companies seem pretty set in their ways around here...
Never had any luck getting them to accept a third-party report, either. Even when my local shop did a super detailed write-up, the adjuster barely skimmed it and just did their own thing. I think it’s more about their internal process than any actual rule. Maybe if you really pushed and escalated, but honestly, it seems like more hassle than it’s worth. The photo-and-receipt route is just less painful, even if it feels a bit pointless sometimes.
Yeah, I’ve run into the same wall. Even with a detailed estimate from my preferred shop, the adjuster just skimmed it and stuck to their own numbers. Seems like they’re locked into their own system. I’ve tried pushing back, but honestly, it’s a time sink. Photos and receipts feel weirdly basic for high-end repairs, but it’s less of a headache. Anyone ever actually get them to budge with a third-party report? I’m skeptical it’s even possible unless you’re super persistent...
