Insurance claim question?

C

ChrisP

New member
Hello everyone, I have a hail damage claim from a recent storm. There were 10 aircraft damaged in the storm. There is one adjuster handling the claims for all insurance companies involved. The adjuster looked at my airplane and directed me to submit 2 estimates to recover both wings. I have the estimates which in my area are quite high - $19k and $22k. My spars are fine but it makes more sense for me to purchase new wings from ACA even after my high deductible which I am willing to pay the difference. This is my first airplane and first damage claim. Does anyone have any experience dealing with asking for a "betterment" from a claims adjuster? The other owners are having difficulty dealing with this adjuster and I want to go about it in the right way. If he agrees to one of the estimates to recover the wings is it my option to pay the extra and upgrade or do insurance companies not do this as a industry standard? Any advise would be great, sorry this is so long.

ChrisP
 
Hi, I recently had a claim after my flight instructor ground looped the airplane. I re-did the interior during the process,which I guess is a form of betterment. On the basis of the estimate they paid me prior to the work being done. It might be different if there is a lein holder.
TOW
 
Hi TOW, There is no lein, it's free and clear. I beleive I have to turn in two estimates and then the insurance check would be written to myself and whoever is doing the work. I don't know if I should add the price of the new wings from ACA along with the two estimates or just one repair and one for cost of wings from ACA. I have US Specialty for insurance. To me it should be a no brainer but you know how insurance companies work! At least I'm learning alot from this experience. With all the dealings for this claim getting estimates, Jerry from ACA has treated me the best.

ChrisP
 
I think insurance companies are different. If they will take the quote you got and pay you up front, you are golden. I mean, it does repair the damage, technically. And at those recover prices, you are better off doing it the way you want, wow.
 
Chris: I just returned from ACA where they installed new wings on my 7gcaa. Jerry and his team are most accomodating. I'm delighted with the job they did! If you have the chance to take you A/C to them you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about the construction of your aircraft.
Ray E.
 
Now I can write freely, my claim is settled. I turned in estimates for 22K and 20K for recovering my wings along with the ACA pricing for new wings. They agreed with the middle of the road estimate and they agreed to send the check made out to myself and ACA for the new wings. Betterment wasn't even brought up given I'm going from wood spars to metal spars and new wings. Jerry Sr. has been working with me and I'm very excited to be flying there in a couple of weeks. After the deductible my out of pocket expense pales in comparison to the price of the new wings. I feel very fortunate for the way things turned out. Thanks to all for responding. Can't wait to go to Rochester!

ChrisP
 
You might hit it when the leaves are turning too. The 200 year old maples/oaks by the graveyard are VERY impressive.

So, now, should everyone ground loop their plane when they want wings? :p
 
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