Auto insurance company that wants me to pay upfront?

File it through your ins co. You will pay the deduct but your ins will cover the costs and get reimbursement from the other ins co.

Most of the times that companies request that are still trying to determine liability. Now, depending on your insurance coverages. If you have collision coverage on your vehicle, you can go through your insurance company and then pay your deductible. Then your insurance company will go after the other company. If you have liability only, you should be able to wait until they have determined fault and are willing to pay the body shop. Now, if you are wanting to go to your own body shop, that may be another reason that they are wanting you to fix it and reimburse you. Most companies will require that you pay any rental car coverages up front and then get reimbursed for that. Check the laws in your state regarding the reimbursment issue.

What’s the big deal? They’re going to reimburse you. Sure it’s inconvenient but in the end they’re paying. Just remember you have a duty to mitigate your damages which means paying for your repairs & rental costs upfront if need be & being reimbursed later, or have your insurance do it on your behalf assuming you have the proper coverage. If you wanted to sue, you’d still have to incur the expense first.