Auto Insurance Adjuster Not Responding: What Are My Options?
I was involved in a car accident earlier this month where another vehicle collided with mine. The police report corroborates my account, and my car was subsequently towed.
Last Monday, I finally managed to obtain the other driver’s insurance details. They were driving a rental car and had only provided the rental information to the officer at the scene. The officer had to contact them for the insurance info, which they then shared with me. I filed a claim on Tuesday, and the insurance adjuster returned my call the following day.
I sent a follow-up email on Monday asking for an update since I’ve been without a car for nearly a month, and it’s especially challenging with a toddler. They informed me they’re still waiting for information from their insurer. I’ve been calling every day since then for updates but have received no further information. Customer service isn’t able to assist me, either. All I want is clarity on my situation.
How long does it typically take for adjustments to be made in these cases? I’m hesitant to rent a car until I know for sure that the other party’s insurance will cover the costs. My own insurance only offers liability coverage, which likely won’t cover a rental.
Additionally, the towing company informed me early on that the fees for holding my car are already approaching $650 after just one week. I’m worried about accumulating more costs and receiving a hefty bill soon. Am I being too impatient? Why might their insured not be responding to the insurance company’s requests?
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Dealing with insurance can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re without a car and have a toddler to care for. It’s understandable to be anxious about the timeline and the potential costs involved.
Here are a few steps you can take to help expedite the process and ensure that you stay informed:
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your communications with the insurance adjuster, including dates and times of calls, emails sent, and any responses you receive. This will help you track your efforts and provide evidence if needed later.
Escalate the Issue: If the adjuster isn’t returning your calls, request to speak to a supervisor or manager. Sometimes escalating your concern can lead to quicker action.
Consumer Complaints: If you’re not getting the assistance you need, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They can often provide support and help facilitate communication between you and the insurance company.
Contact the Other Party: If you have contact information for the person who hit you, you might consider reaching out to them to see if they have any insights on why their insurance isn’t responding.
Rental Car Policies: Check your own insurance policy about rental car coverage. Some policies, even those with liability coverage, may include some form of rental reimbursement, so it’s worth checking.
Towing Fees: It’s a good idea to keep in touch with the towing company. Ask about their billing policies and if there are options to negotiate fees if the car is still in their lot.
Stay Persistent: Keep calling and emailing regularly. Sometimes, persistence can encourage a faster response from the adjuster.
While it can take time for insurance claims to be processed, regularly following up can help. Stay patient but persistent; you deserve to have updates and clarity during this challenging time!