Will 4S shops intentionally inflate the damage assessment?
2 Answers
Damage assessment is generally not intentionally inflated. Damage assessment is a collaborative project between insurance companies and 4S shops. The 4S shop is responsible for determining which parts need repair or replacement, while the insurance company verifies and inspects the repair items. All parts to be replaced are reclaimed by the insurance company, and all areas requiring repair are photographed and archived by the insurance company. Therefore, 4S shops cannot arbitrarily quote prices, making it difficult to inflate the damage assessment. Solutions for disputes in damage assessment: Disputes in damage assessment can be resolved through negotiation. If the policyholder disagrees with the loss amount determined by the insurance company's damage assessment report, they can refuse to sign and confirm the report. In this case, since both parties have not reached an agreement on the repair items and amount, the damage assessment report issued by the insurance company is not binding on the policyholder. The car owner has the right to request a reassessment through relevant procedures and involve a third-party assessment center. Determine the repair method in advance. Generally, insurance companies prefer to repair damaged vehicle parts. If the damaged parts cannot be repaired, they can be replaced. As a car owner, to avoid future risks, most would prefer direct replacement when parts are damaged. Therefore, before or during the repair process, it is recommended that the policyholder promptly negotiate with the damage assessor to confirm the repair method and ensure corresponding compensation. Conduct damage assessment and repairs at the same place. In addition to the above two points, if the car owner has previously agreed with the surveyor to determine the loss amount based on the 4S shop's repair method, they should not switch to an ordinary repair shop after the damage assessment. This avoids the insurance company reassessing the loss amount based on the standards of the repair shop chosen by the customer during the claim process, which could result in unnecessary financial burden for the car owner.
Sometimes when we mechanics talk about the damage assessments done by 4S shops, we all feel they tend to quote higher prices, after all, they make money from repairs. If the insurance payout is higher, they can earn a bit more. This isn't just hearsay—some shops in the industry really do operate this way, especially when insurance audits aren't strict. But car owners don’t need to worry; insurance companies also send people to review the claims. If they find inflated prices, they’ll negotiate them down or even terminate the partnership. So next time your car gets into an accident, it’s best to get quotes from multiple repair shops instead of just focusing on 4S shops. Regular repair shops often offer better value for money, saving you both money and hassle. Always check the repair list carefully—make sure it details every part and labor cost to avoid being tricked. In short, 4S shops might not intentionally scam people, but it’s always wise to stay cautious and rational.
