Insurance Question

[trouble]

My car was nicked on passenger side fender.The adjuster came down looked at the nick and scratch.
The car is considered in excellent shape.The car was painted in 2001.Since the weather is changing I do not plan on getting the car fixed until the early spring.I have the car insured for $80,000.They sent me a check.
My question is,if I bring it to a body shop and they cannot match the paint,can I go back to the insurance co for more money.Also is there a time limit for me to get the car repaired?I do not plan on cashing the check until the body shop looks at the car in the spring.

[4Cruizn]

I think most of those questions should be directed to your insurance company . . . Not sure I would hold the check until spring . . . . Make sure it is valid for more than 30 days if you do! 

[torredcuda]

   two things - I doubt the check is going to good for that long and I`m sure the ins. co. will close the case in a certain time period but I`d ask them.  And there is no reason the body shop can`t match the paint!

[72cudamaan]

Did the body shop and adjuster agree to the repair cost. If so, that cost should include the time and materials as necessary to color match. So I would think that the body shop is on the hook until you are satisfied. 

[trouble]

Did the body shop and adjuster agree to the repair cost. If so, that cost should include the time and materials as necessary to color match. So I would think that the body shop is on the hook until you are satisfied. 

The adjuster came down and looked at the car,took pictures made a report.
They sent me a check.I called the insurance co.they told me to bring it to body shop and I will have the body shop deal with the insurance co if it cost more.

[tman]

Any reputable shop will guarantee paint match.  If it does not match, the shop takes care of it not insurance.  As long as the shop agrees to match paint and do an excellent repair, the shop will take care of it.  The thing is, insurance gives you a check and they probably recommended you to one of their preferred shops.  Those preferred shops will accept what ins gave you.  In most States, you can take your car to any shop you want to.  If the shop you choose wants more money, than ins "may" pay that shop's higher estimate.  I have never used a shop ins recommended.  There is only one shop that I like and I know it will be more money than what ins paid me.  In my past experiences, ins paid the claim in full less my deductible. 

Also, I would not hold a check for that long.  Usually the check is good for a certain period.     

[rattlesnake]

I agree with tman. I have had personal experience with damage and my car. I would only add this though. No matter who your insurance co. is DO NOT use their preferred shop unless you just happen to have a personal relationship with the shop. It is guaranteed to be the cheapest quality work the ins. co. could get. Remember ins. is a business and they like to make money. I had a damage estimate done at their shop for $2800.00. The estimate was for patch and bondo not replacement. My shops estimate was for $3600.00. My shop worked with the ins. company and got it paid.