Anyone deal with this car insurance company before?

[RedRocketMike]

A guy with California Casualty insurance backed into the side of a car I own. I've never heard of this company, has anyone dealt with them? I'd like to know if I should be prepared to get screwed over or if they have a good reputation. Good or bad, what a terrible name for a business.

I got a proper estimate prior to filing the claim. This insurance company informed me they use Snap Appraisal (a phone App), as it turns out I live in one of the few states that does not allow it. Next they asked me to email some pics and a copy of my in hand appraisal to them. The rep said that their estimate written based on my cell phone photos would be the most legitimate. I laughed at that. I told the person handling the claim, who was very polite, that I would be friendly for now but as far as I was concerned unless they come back with a higher amount we already have what is the estimate they will base my reimbursement on.

They must have no presence in the area. I've never heard of an company writing estimates from your cell pics, seems amatuer. I don't intend to have it professionally repaired (beater). We'll see what happens.

 

[oldmodman]

Looked at their web site and it looks like they specialize in providing insurance for California public employees.

"We take pride in protecting thousands of Educators, Nurses, Firefighters, and Peace Officers just like you. We know your career can require a great deal of personal sacrifice. You deserve an insurance company with your best interest in mind".

They got a rating of A- from A.M.Best and most reviews gave them 4 out of 5 stars.

 

[SID297]

I'm guessing you don't have full coverage insurance on it.

 

[LS2GTO]

I'd like to know if I should be prepared to get screwed over

Unfortunately in this world it doesn't matter if they are a mom n' pop company with a few hundred members or a national tier company like Geico or State Farm, they WILL try to screw you. That is embedded in their business process from the get-go. Now that doesn't mean they will be able to in the end as there are laws around this, but as far as being prepared you should be to get the absolute lowest estimate allowable by law. That's going to be a given. It's up to you to get more out of them, so really it's an uphill battle no matter who you're dealing with.

And it's not that one company is better to deal than others, we've all seen and heard good stories about all of them and at the same time horror stories about all of them. It's more of the matter at hand, like if you get an easy going adjuster and if you have good proof of who caused the loss etc.

 

[RedRocketMike]

I'm guessing you don't have full coverage insurance on it.

I do, and I made them aware of that. But I don't really have an interest in involving my insurance company unless it is absolutely necessary.

Unfortunately in this world it doesn't matter if they are a mom n' pop company with a few hundred members or a national tier company like Geico or State Farm, they WILL try to screw you. That is embedded in their business process from the get-go. Now that doesn't mean they will be able to in the end as there are laws around this, but as far as being prepared you should be to get the absolute lowest estimate allowable by law. That's going to be a given. It's up to you to get more out of them, so really it's an uphill battle no matter who you're dealing with.

And it's not that one company is better to deal than others, we've all seen and heard good stories about all of them and at the same time horror stories about all of them. It's more of the matter at hand, like if you get an easy going adjuster and if you have good proof of who caused the loss etc.

Yes, I've been there before. State Farm ending up paying me nearly double what their in network estimate was. It's simple, you file against the driver in small claims court and at that point it is more expensive for them to not pay you.