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State Farm Insurance Investigator called ...

January 30th, 2008 at 03:44 pm


I've been waiting (since Monday) for the call from the insurance adjustor about DH's burnt out Grand Prix (1997 with 138K miles)

I should explain that 4 hours prior to the car going up in flames, we had the front brakes taken care of - new pads and rotors to the tune of $250. DH only drove the car less than two miles from the shop to my parents and we only had it in our possession for 35 minutes. I called the mechanic and said hysterically, "What did you do my car? It is up in flames" The mechanic said, "All I did was the brake job in the wheel well, nothing by the engine!" I then needed to go because my daughter was afraid the tree would go up in flames (didn't, but what does a ten year old know).

Well, the insurance investigator said hes seen botched brake jobs which run so hot that wheels have caught on fire within three miles of the shop. Got me to thinking that it might have been something like that, or as DH's boss pointed out - a rag left there with oil or something (surgeons do leave sponges in people in rare cases, so this doesn't sound so odd anymore). So the report on the car (which was towed to a shop) won't be in until the end of the week or Monday.

The good news is my deductible was at $250 (not $500 or $1000 like I was going to raise it to - savings would only have been a few dollars a month). And if the brake job did cause the fire I can sue in small claims for the $250 deductible and the $250 brake job (my dad is a lawyer and knew all about negligence, etc, etc). The only negative thing is that within the offer of settlement, they only cover a car rental for another five days (not the total of $600 that I initially thought).

Anyhow, I should have a check in hand soon and be the proud owner of a new-to-me car (as DH is taking my minivan) ...

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “State Farm Insurance Investigator called ...”

  1. SingleGuyMoney Says:
    January 30th, 2008 at 04:17 pm 1201709855
    1201709855

    If the car caught fire due to the shops negligence, your insurance company should go after them for reimbursement and you won't have to incur the costs to sue.

  2. mom-sense Says:
    January 30th, 2008 at 04:33 pm 1201710804
    1201710804


    According to State Farm, I would have to sue under separate litigation (SF would go after them after settling my claim). I would though have their report stating negligence to help me claim.

  3. Amanda Says:
    January 30th, 2008 at 05:30 pm 1201714247
    1201714247

    I started a small fire in my car the other week adding brake fluid to it. I spilled a tiny bit, and I guess it hit a hot spot. I called my friend, who works on cars, and he went on and on about cars and brakes and how they can catch fire.

    I wish I would have listened to him more ... but I wouldn't be surprised if it was something from the brake job that caused your car to go ablaze.

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