Three Months and Still Waiting
Three months ago, the contractor responsible for snow removal in our parking lot hit my parked car. While the damage wasn’t extensive, a sizable chunk of my rear bumper is missing. The contractor came to my door to acknowledge his mistake, which I have on my doorbell camera. He attempted to offer me cash and requested that I keep it from the condo board, but I declined and asked for his insurance details. I also informed the condo management company.
Fast forward three months, and I’m still dealing with the damage to my vehicle. I’ve followed up numerous times with both his insurance and mine, and the only response I’ve received is that they are still “working on it.”
Is this normal? I’ve only had one previous claim, and it was resolved within a few weeks. Now, I’m left driving around with a substantial hole in the back of my car, and it’s becoming increasingly frustrating. Is there anything I can do to expedite the process, or am I just stuck waiting indefinitely? I’m located in Alberta, Canada.
I’m really sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with the insurance claim. It can be incredibly annoying when things take longer than expected, especially for something that seems straightforward.
In Alberta, insurance claims can sometimes take longer due to a variety of reasons, including investigations, gathering evidence, or determining liability. However, three months does seem a bit excessive, especially since you have clear evidence of fault.
Here are a few steps you might consider to expedite the process:
Contact the Adjuster: If you have the name and contact information of the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim, reach out to them directly. Ask for a clear timeline and express your concerns about the delay.
Documentation: Keep a detailed record of all your communications with both insurance companies, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you spoke to. This can help if you need to escalate the matter.
File a Complaint: If you continue to experience delays, consider filing a complaint with the insurance company or the Alberta Insurance Council. This can sometimes prompt a quicker response.
Consult with a Lawyer: If the situation doesn’t improve, it might be worth consulting a lawyer, especially one who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide you with advice and potentially help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Consider Small Claims Court: If all else fails, you could consider taking the matter to small claims court if the damage is within the monetary limits. This may put additional pressure on the insurance company to resolve your claim.
Hopefully, your situation resolves quickly so you can get back on the road without that hole in your bumper!