Your repair shop and auto insurer don’t always agree: here’s what that means for you

If you’re like most drivers, it’s natural to assume that if your vehicle is damaged but covered by insurance, the road ahead is easy: just file a claim, drop off your car, and pick it up once it’s fixed. But the reality is trickier. Your insurer and the body shop may not agree on how the repairs should be done or how much they'll cover. This disparity could lead to frustrating delays, higher out-of-pocket costs, and running out of rental car coverage while your banged-up vehicle sits in limbo. 

Consider that nearly two in three auto repair shops recently surveyed report that carriers have regularly rejected their repair plans (with 818 estimates denied) and instead required shops to use the carrier’s estimate to submit additional damage.

Read my latest article for The Zebra to learn more about how the repair process actually works, your repair rights as the policyholder, the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts, when a supplemental claim is needed, how to protect yourself financially, and much more.

Cineversary podcast honors 75th birthday of A Streetcar Named Desire

In Cineversary podcast episode #98, host Erik J. Martin⁠⁠ salutes A Streetcar Named Desire on its 75th anniversary. Co-conductor on this streetcar trip is film critic Michael Phillips, host of his all-new podcast The Movie Racket. Together, they examine Elia Kazan’s savvy directing choices, Marlon Brando’s scene-stealing performance, why this movie continues to resonate, and much more.

Michael Phillips

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Here's what you'll pay to close on a USDA loan

Eager to purchase a home in a rural location? A USDA loan is ideal for this scenario, for which no down payment is needed. But what's the catch, you wonder? There are a few requirements and caveats to be aware of, including the closing costs involved.

Learn more by checking out my newest article for USDALoans.com, available here.

Should you get a home warranty?

A home warranty is an annual service contract that helps cover repair or replacement costs for major home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. But they don’t cover everything, and they are different from homeowners insurance and maintenance plans.

Who pays for a home warranty? What are the pros and cons? And what are the differences between a home warranty and home insurance? For answers to these and other important questions, read my latest article for Rocket Mortgage, available here.