SAN ANTONIO -- Jude Manzo says he just wants what he's lost, almost $6,000 in value.
Manzo's 2012 Nissan was hit hard in the front end. Progressive, the insurance company who held the policy on the responsible party's vehicle, has already paid to have the damage repaired.
Manzo's car looks almost new again, but he says it's not worth anywhere near what it should be. Manzo contacted Progressive after the car was repaired and asked for diminished value, which is how much market value the car has lost from being in an accident and insurance companies can be held responsible for it.
Progressive, according to Manzo, initially offered him $300 to settle. He says when he told them that was unacceptable, they raised the offer to $500. He also declined that. He then took the car to Carmax and to Gunn Nissan, which offered him $8,000 and $9,000 respectively.
Manzo said the Blue book value on his car shows it should be worth roughly $14,000. Manzo said both Carmax and Gunn gave him written offers and told him they wouldn't even sell the car on their lot. It would have to be taken to the auction.
Even after Manzo sent documentation to Progressive, he said their representatives were rude to him and hung up. That's when he called Eyewitness Wants To Know. When we called Progressive, they sent the following statement:
Jeff Sibel, of Progressive public relations:
Repairs to Mr. Manzo's vehicle have been completed and covered by Progressive, however there is a difference of opinion as to whether diminished value is owed on this claim. We continue to speak with Mr. Manzo in effort to reach a compromise.
Manzo has the option of contacting the Texas Department of Insurance to file a formal complaint on the issue.
