Why Virtual Auto Repair Estimates Can Cost You - Marcus Taylor’s Story
Jul 24, 2025
When Marcus Taylor was sideswiped on the freeway he felt relieved that the other driver admitted fault. His 2020 Mazda CX-5 had a damaged rear door and deep scrapes along the quarter panel.
At first glance the damage seemed straightforward but Marcus assumed the insurance claim process would be simple
The Virtual Estimate Experience
Within hours of filing his claim Marcus received a message from his insurance company asking him to upload photos of the damage for a virtual estimate.
He followed the instructions, took several photos with his phone, and submitted them
Two days later he received what the insurer called a final settlement for $1,450. Marcus immediately felt this amount would not cover the necessary repairs
The claims representative explained that the estimate was based on industry-standard AI photo analysis and that the payout could be re-evaluated if the repair shop discovered additional damage
Why Virtual Estimates Can Be Misleading
Marcus decided not to rely solely on a virtual estimate and took his car to a trusted local body shop for an in-person inspection.
The shop found hidden structural damage that the AI could not detect and provided a repair estimate of $3,800
When Marcus submitted the in-person estimate the insurer questioned the amount and requested a second virtual review.
Weeks of back-and-forth emails followed, delaying repairs and creating frustration
Ultimately Marcus invoked the appraisal clause in his insurance policy. An independent appraiser reviewed the damage and the final settlement reached $3,600 almost two and a half times the original virtual estimate
Lessons for Car Owners
Marcus Taylor’s experience illustrates the risks of relying on virtual car repair estimates. These AI-driven assessments can:
Miss hidden structural or frame damage
Underestimate repair costs
Pressure policyholders to accept lower settlements quickly
How to Protect Yourself After an Accident
To ensure you receive fair compensation after a car accident consider the following:
Always request an in-person inspection from a qualified auto body shop
Document all damage thoroughly with photos, videos, and written estimates
Understand your policy rights including dispute resolution and appraisal clauses
Virtual insurance estimates can save time and money for insurance companies but they may not reflect the true cost of repairs.
For accurate assessment and fair settlement always rely on professional evaluations
Get Professional Help Today
If you want a trusted auto diminished value appraisal and claims review service to maximize your insurance settlement visit our service page at MyFairClaim today.
Our experienced appraisers provide accurate evaluations so you get the compensation you deserve without delays or disputes