Update on My Stolen and Recovered Car in California
I wanted to share the latest developments regarding my car that was stolen just before Christmas. Thankfully, it was recovered a few cities away with only minor visible damage. I rushed to the tow yard as soon as I was notified, arriving just before closing time. However, when my husband tried to start the car, it wouldn’t turn on. We had to return the next day.
I informed my claims representative that the car wouldn’t start and sent him all the photos we took. Unfortunately, our conversation took a rude turn, with him insisting that the issue was just the battery. He contacted the tow yard and arranged for them to jump-start the car. When we returned the following day, we encountered another problem: my laser-cut key wouldn’t work in the door lock. Turning the key had no effect at all. I called the claims rep to update him on this new issue.
Eventually, my car was taken to Copart for an adjuster’s inspection. I later received a call from an investigator who requested several documents, including copies of the police recovery report, a notarized affidavit of theft, my driver’s license, and my phone records from December 10 to January 10. I’ve reached out to my phone company, but they’ve informed me that it will take 30-40 days to provide the records.
For context, my car is a 2011 Lincoln MKX that we fully own and purchased for just under $10,000 around six months ago. My insurance policy is in good standing, and this is my first claim with this company.
Here are my questions:
- Why do they need my phone records?
- How long do these claims typically take to resolve?
- Should I continue to pay my monthly insurance premiums during this process?
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some answers to your questions:
Why are they asking for my phone records?
Insurance companies may request phone records to verify communication related to the theft or recovery of your vehicle. It can help confirm any discussions you had with authorities, the claims rep, or any other parties involved during that time frame. This helps them assess the timeline and details surrounding the claim.
How long does this type of claim usually take?
The timeframe for settling a claim like this can vary widely based on the complexity of the situation, the insurance company’s policies, and any investigations that may be underway. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Given that they are conducting an investigation and requesting additional documents, it may take longer than usual.
Do I still need to continue to pay my monthly insurance bill?
Yes, you should continue to pay your insurance premiums to keep your policy active. If you stop paying, it could jeopardize your coverage, especially during the claims process. If the claim is ultimately resolved in your favor, your insurer should handle the settlement according to your policy terms.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in resolving your claim! If you have further concerns or feel that your insurance company is not handling your situation properly, you might want to consider seeking advice from a legal professional or a consumer protection agency.