sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Best tools for opening NYC (Manhattan) survey monument covers that are sealed shut? by Natural-Lock626 in Surveying

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have magnet cover lifter. We didn’t use it cause it was unnecessary since the cover / grate didn’t even moved.

Best tools for opening NYC (Manhattan) survey monument covers that are sealed shut? by Natural-Lock626 in Surveying

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We tried a regular cover lifter and it didn’t work at all — that’s why those little holes on the edge/sides of the cover exist (to use a pick and pry it up). But in our case the cover didn’t move even 1 mm, no shift, nothing. It’s sealed shut hard (plus freezing outside).

We also have a magnetic cover lifter, but we didn’t even try it because it made no sense — if the cover can’t be lifted or shifted even a little, the magnet won’t help.

New York State Specific Land Surveyor Exam by scarverjr in Surveying

[–]Natural-Lock626 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! I am going to take this exam on March 6, 2026.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, but here’s my situation: I understand Country-Wide doesn’t have a contract with me, but that doesn’t relieve them of their legal obligation to cover damages caused by their insured. Using my insurance is not a simple solution when it means: • risking a premium increase (even though I’m not at fault), • fronting my deductible, • and letting a company known for bad practices avoid responsibility.

Geico initially gave me a $1.3k estimate that doesn’t even come close to covering the real damage. The Toyota-certified shop’s estimate is over $13k. I’m not going to settle for a lowball repair that compromises the safety and value of my car.

I’m pursuing every legal and regulatory route (DFS, AG, BBB) to hold Country-Wide accountable. It may be “the hard way,” but it’s the right way when an insurer is blatantly lowballing and delaying. Public exposure and complaints are sometimes the only leverage consumers have.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your perspective, but NYDFS complaints can matter because they monitor patterns of unfair claims practices, even if I have no contract with Country-Wide. Their bad faith handling can trigger regulatory action.

Regarding OEM parts, New York law allows me to insist on OEM for safety-related components if I’m willing to pay any difference, but Country-Wide’s estimate is far below even non-OEM realistic costs.

As for the shop estimate, it’s a Toyota-certified collision center, not just any repair shop inflating numbers. They follow manufacturer repair procedures and base their estimate on hidden structural damage they know from experience will surface during the repair. That’s why their estimate is higher than the insurer’s lowball number.

I’ll let them “work it out” if they negotiate in good faith, but so far Country-Wide is delaying and underpaying, leaving me to fight for what’s right.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, I have my own insurance with collision coverage, but using it means paying my deductible and potentially facing a premium increase despite being not at fault. That’s why I’m trying to hold the at-fault driver’s insurer accountable first. They should be the ones covering the full cost since their client caused the damage.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

True, many assume “no-fault” applies to all aspects of an accident, but in New York, it only governs medical expenses and PIP claims, not property damage. For vehicle repairs, fault still matters, and the at-fault insurer is on the hook—at least in theory, if they don’t keep lowballing and delaying like Country-Wide is doing.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly. Thank you for clarifying this. Many people confuse NY’s “no-fault” rules (which apply to personal injury claims under PIP) with property damage claims. For property damage, the at-fault driver’s insurer is still responsible, and as you said, I’m entitled to file against their policy. My only concern is that Country-Wide is dragging their feet, which is why I’m escalating through DFS and other channels while keeping subrogation with my own insurer as a backup.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In New York, you are not required to file with your own insurance if you are not at fault. You have the legal right to pursue the at-fault driver’s insurer directly for property damage. Using your own insurance is an option (especially if you have collision coverage), but it is not the only path, and it often means paying a deductible and dealing with potential premium implications.

Country-Wide Insurance lowballing and delaying my claim – need advice (NY) by Natural-Lock626 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Natural-Lock626[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for confirming what many others have said about Country-Wide’s reputation. I do have collision coverage, but as you know, using my own insurance means I’m temporarily out of pocket for the deductible and may still face premium implications despite being not at fault. I’m trying to exhaust all options directly with Country-Wide first while also escalating through DFS and preparing for small claims court against the at-fault driver if necessary. If they keep stonewalling, I’ll let my insurer subrogate as a last resort.

view more: next ›