Hail damage payout max of $2500????

[5G_celica]

hello all,

I just need advice from someone that may have been through this. I'm sure a few people here must have taken payouts for their hail damages in the past.

well, I just got an estimate of $4300 for my damages. the car is a 2001 yukon, so it's not really worth fixing. so I called the TDMM up to see if I can get a payout, and she said their policy is not to pay anything out that is valued over $2500

does this sound right? this was a suprise to me

should I call back and ask again?

Thanks for reading

[Mitsu3000gt]

Could they have possibly meant that they will give you $2500 and you keep the Yukon? That is usually an option with hail payouts (they pay you a portion of your vehicle's worth, and let you keep it).

[Dr_Funk]

Unless they changed it since the last one.

In the 2010 hail storm, my gf's hail damage was estimated to be 10K something, and they paid her out almost 7K and her keeping the car. They won't pay you the full amount and they also take off the GST from that estimated amount...

[FraserB]

I think they will only give out a max of 75% if you take a cheque and, like someone said, they take GST off as well.

This will also affect your coverage in the future.

[5G_celica]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Could they have possibly meant that they will give you $2500 and you keep the Yukon? That is usually an option with hail payouts (they pay you a portion of your vehicle's worth, and let you keep it).

that's not the way I heard it. she said that they will not pay out any damages that is over $2500, and didn't even give me the option to take $2500. she said the only option is to fix it



Originally posted by Dr_Funk
Unless they changed it since the last one.

In the 2010 hail storm, my gf's hail damage was estimated to be 10K something, and they paid her out almost 7K and her keeping the car. They won't pay you the full amount and they also take off the GST from that estimated amount...

yeah, that was what I was expecting. to take a discount on the estimate.

[sputnik]

Originally posted by 5G_celica
that's not the way I heard it. she said that they will not pay out any damages that is over $2500, and didn't even give me the option to take $2500. she said the only option is to fix it

Then quit trying to win the "hail damage lottery" and get it fixed.

[DeeK]

Originally posted by sputnik


Then quit trying to win the "hail damage lottery" and get it fixed.

How do you get $4300 worth of damage fixed for $2500? :dunno:

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by DeeK


How do you get $4300 worth of damage fixed for $2500? :dunno:

TomcoPDR?

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by DeeK


How do you get $4300 worth of damage fixed for $2500? :dunno:

He can either get the $4300 in damages fixed, and paid for by the insurance company, or he can not get it fixed and get a cheque for $2500.

[lilmira]

How much is the thing worth without the dents? They don't want to write it off?

[guessboi]

Insurance company will not fix it if it cost them more $$$ than what the vehicle is worth.

IE. if the damage is 4,300 and your Yukon is only worth 4,300.

They should just pay you cash minus a % and let you keep the car.

Note if they fix your Yukon, you probably have loss of use coverage and that's another expense for the insurance company!

I wonder why they don't want to write it off. :dunno:

[5G_celica]

Originally posted by sputnik


Then quit trying to win the "hail damage lottery" and get it fixed.

I'm not trying to win any "hail damage Lottery" but I take comprehensive coverage for a reason, and if I am able to take a payout cause I don't think the car is worth fixing than I should be able to do that. all I was asking if this was right and if I should look into it further.


Originally posted by lilmira
How much is the thing worth without the dents? They don't want to write it off?



Originally posted by guessboi
Insurance company will not fix it if it cost them more $$$ than what the vehicle is worth.

IE. if the damage is 4,300 and your Yukon is only worth 4,300.

They should just pay you cash minus a % and let you keep the car.

Note if they fix your Yukon, you probably have loss of use coverage and that's another expense for the insurance company!

I wonder why they don't want to write it off. :dunno:


I don't know if its worth much more than $4300. if you include the rental car for the week it'll be in the shop then it would be damn close to what the car is worth

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by sputnik


Then quit trying to win the "hail damage lottery" and get it fixed.


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Correct


Originally posted by DeeK



How do you get $4300 worth of damage fixed for $2500? :dunno:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Correct



Originally posted by zipdoa


TomcoPDR?



:thumbsdow :thumbsdow :thumbsdow Incorrect, sorry Mike, lol.


I thought Calgarians/Albertians already understand how auto "hail claims" work already. You are not suppose to profit from insurance for one. This isn't like our parents days or the States. (some States, insurance adjustors dictates and just cuts you a cheque on a damage, then you are responsible to find your own shops whether legit, or call up the overflood of illegal immigrants seeing which person/company you can lowball to fix your siding, roof, automobiles, etc...)

One of the (many) reasons why your hail claims are officially being brough to these temporary warehouses (or local bodyshop for their space) by your insurance companies, being given a chance to be looked at by these PDR corporation agencies, IS the very fact that insurance IS tighting this profit misconception (everybody scheming, trying to make a lotto win from insurance). There was a time where I was younger in this industry where the hail claims were estimated as if you needed to bodyfiller and repaint the whole vehicle (higher amount)... the bodyshops would "hold the claim", and then ask the PDR techs "how much to push these dents for me?", pocket the difference. (I'm only talking about it now, cuz those days are gone, highly doubt bodyshops would take those chances getting caught profiting that way now)... can't charge (insurance) saying you've repainted a panel while it actually got PDR, huge no-no.

Now, the insurance are directly asking PDR industry "what can you fix (in theory, should be perfectly), ok we'll pay exactly THAT amount using PDR skills (on an industry agreeable set rate), we're not giving filler material cost, no paint materials etc.., what can't be PDR, alright, fine I guesssss we'll replace or bodyfiller/paint"

And the deal how professional PDR hail industry works (not local door ding shops; different market segment), I'm really surprise some of you resident Beyonders don't know this to be spreading about ideas of low cost professional hail labour :( ... but, because I really appreicate the support and recoginition for the true skills involved (I'm not just doing Beyond blog for myself, as some of you have witnessed thru PM's, I haven't even been able to take on a lot of private jobs from you' all, so those just get pass onto other local shops that I'm not affliated with; hopefully they'll do good work)

So I'm gonna finish out what I started on this blog, bareing the naked truth on this car forum instead of leaving you'all high and dry and misinform.



With HAIL chasing PDR; (I know I'll get complaints using these samples, but I've been told there're higher powers watching over me on Beyond; and seriously, I hope the common sense in people realize it's still part of keeping a user name "persona", right, lol)

My example, picture the elite individual hitman-for-hire/speical ops industry... And unfortuntely, a reality of our trade picture the adult companionship industry as well. :(

The tasks involved are perform by that ONE specially skilled person (in theory)... however, these special technicians whether a hitman or an escort; there are other aspects in the industry to deal with that 1 person can't do alone (and some projects you do need to be in a team with other Ops)... This is where agencies/call-centres come in. (these are those PDR corporations from all over the world you're not used to hearing locally fixing door dings segment, partnering up with YOUR insurance assisting to estimate your hail claims; HOLD THE CLAIM (work orders/projects/assignments), you HOLD THE TECHS/hitman/escorts)

Now, in terms of myself... Calgary (for now) is still my hometown, and well "Beyond" I'd like to think is my homebase forum (whether I'm still doing PDR or not)... But, unfortuntely, at this point in life, at this point of my blog update, I'm what the industry (yes, this is a term insider business white collar rich guys) call a "Dent Whore"

A specially trained skilled tech/hitman/escort... known in the industry to be called upon to perform a project/hail-site.

This is the way this industry works (hail PDR, not local door ding where you try to build loyalty with local auto shops, local residents), unfortuntely... I mean, I have no problem being accountable for my own work... but, just like any big corporations or team environment, of course you're mixing yourself in the system with noobs or not so caring people.

Of course I know I'm putting myself out for scrunity being on Beyond... of course I realize there're PDR companies reading these, insurance, etc... But, the one thing I don't have an issue with is speaking up about quality in PDR, and the legitimacy of this bodywork method. (it'll look good when performed by the right person, and yea it'll look like shit done by someone that doesn't have a fucking clue)

The sad part talking about the hail claims (PDR) is that; the honest truth is... there's not much I can help to tell ya about "quality shops, or shitty shops"... there're no "agencies" or call centres to avoid or praise; why? cuz every year, every storm, every site; these agencies are still hiring the same group of techs/players avaliable on the list (think of NHL hockey drafts, same players, same game; just different owners giving the players their jerseys)... On one storm site, I could work for Corp-A and they partner me up with a noob who fucks up his end of the jobs (it's per vehicle); so next year/season he gets fired but Corp-F is starting out and has a few jobs (and they might have one star-player that year to make themselves look good), while I found a better paying gig with Corp-B.


But, I really want y'all to realize, I can PROUDLY say I've attemped to keep you (the car community, my local Calgary community) in mind before I gave into the system. (Canadian hail techs already knew this Amercian style of holding insurance claims = hold techs, average out true quality was inevitable, slaughter-house style hail repair; pump in and out; judgement day in our industry) :(

In 2008 I had a premonition while working in Toronto. (can't remember if it was August 8, 2008 to be exact)... Dream that Calgary was going to be hit with hail. (just not sure exactly, where, when, how, what volume)... End of '08 I dumped some money purchasing a warehouse, then in 2009 I spent more money trying to do up what you see now, all these month-to-month temporary "Hail repair centres"; but I at least made an attempt to make it look closer to a real operating shop (which IMO it is, lol)... kinda spent more than I should.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/267509/new-automotive-shop-now-open/


Well, once I had it properly build out it seemed like a waste to let it sit there waiting for a hail storm; you don't know when, where, how much, etc... So yea I didn't want an unknown burn-rate, so the trade off was to partially rent it out, and offer the local car community (I guess mostly Beyond), to be offered some of the local talents in other aspects in automobile services.

Fast forward only 13 months later; July 12, 2010... there WAS my big break having potential to be a mama-san, an escort agency owner... (well, you know what I mean, being the PDR company that holds the work-order insurance claims, then techs will knock on your door for work)... For Beyond, if I held these claims, I already work along side and have seen many hail chasing talents; with my local name on the line of course I'll only keep top quality elite techs in my shop... (sadly, top/bottom techs are paid the same way anyways; kinda like good/bad mechanic still get paid for those book-time being charged)

BUT.... that didn't happen, lol... won't get into too much details :( I had way too much integrity and decided to stay loyal and moral to the current tenants offering their services to the local car community; instead of being a legit true asshole, or a true business person making goooooooddddddddd commission from elite PDR hail techs off of each and every single freakin' car going through the warehouse, my warehouse. (yea, of course lease was written so landlord can get their property back; specially that's why I bought my "hail claim centre" warehouse)

Looking back, with my life in PDR; how it consumed my youth, young adulthood, and into my adulthood... I wouldn't do it any differently... being true to the work itself; being a single entity (yea, :( a Dent whore for hire by businesses appreicating they can trust my skills/experience)... Even if I did had success in my own warehouse/shop back in 2010's big storm, there'd still be bias riding my name/Beyond persona, while truth of the matter is of course once the hail work dries up; so will the elite hail chasers; leaving me holding a shop with randomly hired helpers. (but of course, the public wouldn't know the wiser :devil: , something I cannot live with as a tech who likes to be appreicated and recongized by the craft of this trade, business wise (aka: bring on the fucking bling bling wise), yea right on, all-your-door-dings-belongs-to-me and my trainee employees)

Even realizing truth that I'm just ONE agency expandable "asset"... I very much enjoy and appreicate that I can truely be hired by bodyshops, or these huge PDR corporation agencies; because they want me there; the new people I meet (hopefully good experience)... and I'm there because I want to be there (well, the $$$ too, lol)


How did I get to this essay?????

Oh yes, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't be spreading false rumours of being able to profit from a reduced PDR hail claim payout then hiring a legit professional to fix it for less....... There're already enough work for legit techs to be hired by agencies, shops directly, etc... to keep the legit techs busy being paid properly on market rates (book time, just like a mechanics/bodyman)...

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by 5G_celica
hello all,

I just need advice from someone that may have been through this. I'm sure a few people here must have taken payouts for their hail damages in the past.

well, I just got an estimate of $4300 for my damages. the car is a 2001 yukon, so it's not really worth fixing. so I called the TDMM up to see if I can get a payout, and she said their policy is not to pay anything out that is valued over $2500

does this sound right? this was a suprise to me

should I call back and ask again?

Thanks for reading

Crap sorry, I'm just a typical Beyonder... forgot to answer or help the OP...

In your estimate, your file should be handled by the appraiser. "assessment for: so and so"

That person should have their email or phone# or which office they're from (for that insurance company some claims are handled from Edmonton, should say that on the top of your estimate)

IMO, you should try getting in touch with that person first and discuss your concerns their.

You are 100% correct in considering a payout given the condition of vehicle, the mileage, the year (11 years old)... You are on the right track, to look further to claify with your insurance what they mean.

If you really really really need someone higher up from that insurance.. I can help... BUT I hope you take my advice first and contact the appraiser assigned to your case..... I just don't wanna use up too many life lines.

[5G_celica]

I have no idea what just happened. I was not insinuating that I wanted to take money and send it to someone to fix for cheap. I don't understand how I am profiting from this. This is a car I paid for, and pay insurance on. And if I wanted to take a payout for not fixing hail damage, the resale will go down, and in the end things will offset itself.


Originally posted by TomcoPDR


Crap sorry, I'm just a typical Beyonder... forgot to answer or help the OP...

In your estimate, your file should be handled by the appraiser. "assessment for: so and so"

That person should have their email or phone# or which office they're from (for that insurance company some claims are handled from Edmonton, should say that on the top of your estimate)

IMO, you should try getting in touch with that person first and discuss your concerns their.

You are 100% correct in considering a payout given the condition of vehicle, the mileage, the year (11 years old)... You are on the right track, to look further to claify with your insurance what they mean.

If you really really really need someone higher up from that insurance.. I can help... BUT I hope you take my advice first and contact the appraiser assigned to your case..... I just don't wanna use up too many life lines.

Thanks Tom, I don't need to bring this any higher than my adjuster. I don't think it's necessary for my case.

[DeeK]

From what I understand, if you take a hail damage payout, some insurance companies pay up to 70% of the value of the vehicle depending on severity of damage, and you keep the vehicle. which is fair. Some people will buy hail damaged vehicles, obviously at a greatly reduced price, because they still run fine and don't care how they look. Sell it to them for 30% of what you would normally sell it for and that is your 100% right there. So I fully understand the justification for $2500 and keeping the car.

As far as damage goes. In the event the damage cost meets or exceeds the value of the vehicle, they should cut you a check for the full value of the vehicle, write it off, and take it from you. I don't understand why they would fix it unless in their eyes the vehicle is worth more.

Just my $0.02

[Xtrema]

So why don't you ask insurance company to fix it instead getting a pay out? Or are you forced to take the payout?

Depend on the trim level, a Yukon is worth about as low as $4K trading in. $2500 for hail damage payout seems reasonable in my books.

[5G_celica]

sorry, I guess I'm not really expressing myself properly.

When I called the claims department, the lady said, that Payout is not an option if youre estimate is above $2500. so since my estimate is $4300 the only option is to fix it. and from my conversation with her, taking $2500 is not even an option

I've read a lot of people on here has taken payout for a lot more than this, so that surprised me, and wanted to know if anyone experienced this at all.

[lilmira]

So they don't want to write it off which would give you ~4k?
They'd rather spend 4k to fix a car that is worth 4k? Am I misunderstanding this?

I doubt they'll give you 2500 and let you keep the car. That makes sense.

[DeeK]

Originally posted by 5G_celica
sorry, I guess I'm not really expressing myself properly.

When I called the claims department, the lady said, that Payout is not an option if youre estimate is above $2500. so since my estimate is $4300 the only option is to fix it. and from my conversation with her, taking $2500 is not even an option

I've read a lot of people on here has taken payout for a lot more than this, so that surprised me, and wanted to know if anyone experienced this at all.

Oh! okay. That depends on the insurance company, and their policies. Who is your insurance through?

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by 5G_celica
I have no idea what just happened. I was not insinuating that I wanted to take money and send it to someone to fix for cheap. I don't understand how I am profiting from this. This is a car I paid for, and pay insurance on. And if I wanted to take a payout for not fixing hail damage, the resale will go down, and in the end things will offset itself.



Thanks Tom, I don't need to bring this any higher than my adjuster. I don't think it's necessary for my case.

OP, you are correct in 1st post. I emailed someone from the insurance you speak of, it's one of those "the change just happened" very recent policies. (don't payout over $2,500)

He's got one of those "this message has confidentiality" in his email, so can't really attach anything here. (it wasn't discussing about "YOUR" claim file anyways)

My bad for the long ass explaination, that was a sideline discussion meant for the other guys with misconceptions. It's like someone wanting to buy at truck MSRP'ed @ $30,000 but he's just asking which dealer has the best "peaks and services" (meaning free oil changes, free floor mats, etc...) BUT THEN, someone jumping in saying: Yo man, you don't need $30, just take out $18k (I used the 60% of MSRP in this hail claim case)... some dealerships are bound to be desperate and would totally take that offer, for sure bro. (with no merit or nothing) :cry:

The hail estimating process, IS figuring out the "MSRP" of what most shops would fix it for... that's why the insurance assess the damage, (PDR being harder to estimate based on tech skills, how an actual dent would come out, etc...) that's why they asked PDR corps to help to figure out an MSRP price for each job. (in return these corps pretty much get a chance to retain the customers rolling thru)

(^^^ that's just a sideline for the other guys)

Back to 1st post... OP, I agree, you are 100% correct to investigate this further wanting a payout, IMO, for this older vehicle. (I know, you've never mentioned anything about trying to fix it after; just don't understand why ppl would assume, and then try getting you to fix it with less amount to work with; something that doesn't make sense that shouldn't be spread)

Based on contacting someone local from the insurance you're with, the best route (suggestion) you can choose to approach is:

- Contact adjustor assigned to your file, and just talk to the guy, state your case, why you'd rather take a payout, what/why you feel is fair, what amount, etc...
- From there, you can still try talking to their "team leader" from that office (the office should be on the estimate heading), and see what he/she can do for you.

With that particular insurance, you can mostly Google their contact directory for auto claims department, and their job titles, etc...

Good luck!

[5G_celica]

Originally posted by TomcoPDR


OP, you are correct in 1st post. I emailed someone from the insurance you speak of, it's one of those "the change just happened" very recent policies. (don't payout over $2,500)

He's got one of those "this message has confidentiality" in his email, so can't really attach anything here. (it wasn't discussing about "YOUR" claim file anyways)

My bad for the long ass explaination, that was a sideline discussion meant for the other guys with misconceptions. It's like someone wanting to buy at truck MSRP'ed @ $30,000 but he's just asking which dealer has the best "peaks and services" (meaning free oil changes, free floor mats, etc...) BUT THEN, someone jumping in saying: Yo man, you don't need $30, just take out $18k (I used the 60% of MSRP in this hail claim case)... some dealerships are bound to be desperate and would totally take that offer, for sure bro. (with no merit or nothing) :cry:

The hail estimating process, IS figuring out the "MSRP" of what most shops would fix it for... that's why the insurance assess the damage, (PDR being harder to estimate based on tech skills, how an actual dent would come out, etc...) that's why they asked PDR corps to help to figure out an MSRP price for each job. (in return these corps pretty much get a chance to retain the customers rolling thru)

(^^^ that's just a sideline for the other guys)

Back to 1st post... OP, I agree, you are 100% correct to investigate this further wanting a payout, IMO, for this older vehicle. (I know, you've never mentioned anything about trying to fix it after; just don't understand why ppl would assume, and then try getting you to fix it with less amount to work with; something that doesn't make sense that shouldn't be spread)

Based on contacting someone local from the insurance you're with, the best route (suggestion) you can choose to approach is:

- Contact adjustor assigned to your file, and just talk to the guy, state your case, why you'd rather take a payout, what/why you feel is fair, what amount, etc...
- From there, you can still try talking to their "team leader" from that office (the office should be on the estimate heading), and see what he/she can do for you.

With that particular insurance, you can mostly Google their contact directory for auto claims department, and their job titles, etc...

Good luck!

Thanks Tom, I really appreciate you taking the time to help, and debunking any false fact on here. also thanks for confirming the $2500 Max policy. kind of seems like a silly policy, cause wouldn't a insurance company save money by paying out a claim with a discount?

I have left a message for my adjuster (I'm sure they're pretty busy now) and find out more when she calls back.

[M.alex]

Originally posted by TomcoPDR


I'm what the industry (yes, this is a term insider business white collar rich guys) call a <snip> Whore


How much for a happy ending? :confused:

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by M.alex


How much for a happy ending? :confused:

Seeing as how PDR is accomplished from the inside out... are you sure you want that?

[Rusted Bumper]

Sounds to me like anyone with more than $2500 damage can't take a payout. The way the policy is worded in Alberta, they don't have to pay out for damages, just repair. Not sure why they want to, maybe it was too problematic since 2010? Too many wanting to win the lottery?

[Khyron]

Problem is the wait time is huge - you might be waiting 3-6 months to get it fixed.

I got a payout on my house roof, got it fixed with a friends company for less, showed the insurance the invoice, coverage back on. To them, they wanted the issues off their books.

With the cars, is there a problem with someone taking the payout, selling the car to someone else, then they claim hail damage? Is the Carfax/VIN tracking good enough to prevent double dipping?

[guessboi]

Once the car is written off by hail. It shows in the VIN to prevent double dipping.