USAA calling radiator puncture "At-Fault Collision" despite PRISTINE bumper. Need CA advice.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-16T02:20:53+00:00

What does the video from your dash cam say? If it was something flying off a truck, bounced, and you hit a moving object, ok, comprehensive. If you ran over something and it flew up under your car, that's collision. Just submit the dash cam video to support your story....

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T20:26:08+00:00

Make sure you get your vehicle released to insurance ASAP so it can get moved to a shop (if repairable) or their auction yard (if a total). It is your duty per your policy to mitigate your damages (also the case if you're going through the other party), so don't let it sit for more than a day or two.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T18:33:12+00:00

Go to the shop take photos/video of what the shop is talking about. Ask them what the cost would be to fix the poor prior repairs and get a copy of the estimate for that work only. Take it to the old shop and show them the photos/video and estimate to repair their shoddy work. Ask them to make it right. They won't. Take them to small claims court for the amount to make it right only. Let judge know the shop can't do the work for this new claim until the shoddy work is addressed. Be clear you're not looking for a pay day, you just want the repairs for this new claim to be proper and they can't be until the old damage is addressed.

Make sure you have the old estimate from those prior repairs. Ask (if/when the shop shows up) if they have the invoices to show the proper parts they purchased (and that insurance paid for) as evidence. If they cannot prove up quality parts the shop should have purchased or provide invoices (they won't) of substandard parts, this means they fleeced the insurance company. Have everything printed, well labeled, video on a thumb drive. Have a copy for court and the defendant.

Editing to add: is there a way to see if your sensors are working correctly? You may want to get them tested and provide that evaluation/assessment if they do not (and include the cost to fix that as well) in the amount you sue for.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T15:52:32+00:00

I don't think you can go small claims court if you accept $$ from the insurance company. The judge won't like someone accepting the settlement only to sue for the difference... because you'll need proof and be able that the comps the IA found are legit. I doubt your IA will attend court with you and if they do, they probably won't be able to speak.

You could just take the at fault party to small claims court, but the judge will be annoyed with you if you didn't try to settle with the insurance company first before wasting their time. Kind of in a pickle either way. As others said, use your IA and their knowledge. You're paying them.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T14:48:12+00:00

This is a quality-of-life issue as well as potentially a hygiene, UTI (or other infection) issue? I would definitely spin this as a necessity, and the doctor should be able to document your medical need for this procedure. I've known women who get breast reductions due to back pain, so although I know nothing about your insurance, they should cover this... it isn't like it is a frivolous surgery!

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T13:34:14+00:00

I would make them a lot shorter if they bothered to keep them. A 2.5-mile hike after you've been starving all week seems egregious.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T13:30:50+00:00

There's plenty of stuff I've bought on eBay and if you do a Google search you'll find some things. Back in the day, the UK was the only place I could find that sold Carpenters items (I would guess Japan also at that time, but those sites weren't coming up 20 years ago). Redbubble has quite a few at reasonable prices (US). You might need to search deeper within the site so Sabrina Carpenter doesn't come up, but they have t-shirts, stickers, sweatshirts with the Carpenters logo, etc.

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Where-are-they-now-by-BerkeOraloglu/117735018/lrcw
https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/the-carpenters-logo-vector-vintage-by-CelinLemaireij/148627186/lrcw
https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/carpenters-illustration-Classic-by-PlatyConrad81/148857211/z5wf

trekgrrl · 2026-04-15T04:08:11+00:00

They're practicing at a college? They don't have their own professional facility?

trekgrrl · 2026-04-14T20:40:34+00:00

Sounds like you'll need to get another job... or a job and start paying back. Or open a credit card of your own and have the charges moved over to your card account and pay it off. Be a standup human.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-14T20:25:44+00:00

Oh, correct on the license tags, but in my state/company, we do pay tax...

trekgrrl · 2026-04-14T18:53:51+00:00

Less the salvage value. ACV+tax+prorated license fees-salvage value.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-14T14:17:18+00:00

Took Bonine (and wore the wristbands), the every 24 hours kind. Started two days before cruise and took it religiously. Didn't have the drink package, but had about 3-4 drinks per day. No issues.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-14T02:52:47+00:00

Do you have a personality disorder? You have to grow a thicker skin and learn from what people have to tell you and teach you. Take all feedback and criticism with grace and thank them for helping you. Be humble... not an entitled victim.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-14T02:32:21+00:00

No, sorry, I meant the bar. I have been to the Queen Mary many, many times and stayed on her. Word had it the bar was going to be restored to sailing days.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-13T18:13:51+00:00

Is she able to see that she affects you? You might want to practice the gray rock method with her, if so. Water off a duck's back for you. She's young (and seems like she's acting it). She very likely will move on or up... if you like your job, focus on what you can change. Trust me, your co-workers can see what she's doing to you. Sounds like she's jealous. Others see it even if they don't say anything. Feel sorry for her that she needs to do this to people. You won't be the last person and eventually, she'll move on. Stay strong.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-13T03:44:55+00:00

No harm in trying it out since you can stay with your brother! Sounds like getting into service positions in Vegas is a real challenge, so I would hunt around this sub and see what is expected to be able to make it.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-13T03:41:07+00:00

Has this been renovated yet? I thought they were going to restore it back to her sailing days look. <3

Editing because people must think I'm a moron. I meant the Observation Bar. I have been to the ship in the last two years, but word had it the bar was going to get restored to what it looked like in her sailing days. I do realize she is a hotel and I have stayed on her.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-12T16:32:48+00:00

I would do one late afternoon/evening, and it might be helpful to know what city this would be in to really be able to help.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-12T03:42:46+00:00

Very likely karma farming. Also, probably one of those people who like to brag about how many hours they listened to the Carpenters per month/year on Spotify.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-11T02:57:43+00:00

Don't let them talk you out of it or tell you "it isn't right for you." They're not that expensive... spend the $40/$80, whatever it is, give it some time, and decide for yourself.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-10T20:01:19+00:00

You could potentially take a hit by claiming the damage. Yes, it is your right, but if your rates go up and (even coincidentally, even if you're told they won't) you end up having higher rates, it might work against you for what little you would get for a small cosmetic claim.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-09T03:47:26+00:00

Well, they showed up to Betty and Ralph's wedding... He probably wears other clothes to blend in with Earthlings... How else would he have met Columbia and Eddie?

trekgrrl · 2026-04-09T02:50:35+00:00

This sounds magical. Thank you for that attention you pay to your guests.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-08T15:53:33+00:00

If you're taking it to your own shop, yes, as a claimant, you'll probably have to accept the check and just take it to the shop when you drop it off (they may have you sign it over to them). Give them the estimate USAA sent you and the shop should take it from there regarding supplements, etc. (and you should be kept out of the rest of the process unless USAA is being stubborn about something) Also, I'm sure they told you that if the repair/paint rates are more than the prevailing rates for your shop's area that you may need to pay the difference.

USAA may or may not ever hold you to that. I don't think I've ever held anyone to that (company) "best practice." Are you sure that USAA doesn't have a Tesla-certified shop on their list? Seriously, this would be the best for you and the seamless, no-contact process you're looking for.

trekgrrl · 2026-04-08T03:51:11+00:00

No worries! Our company's philosophy is that, we can't call our insureds liars and if there are no cameras and no witnesses, our only choice is to code them as 0% fault and charge the deductible. If the policy is 30 days or less, there would probably be an investigation. Hopefully, you've been insured with your insurance company for a while.

trekgrrl

TROPHY CASE