I was involved in a minor hit-and-run incident with an uninsured driver, and I have the license plate captured on my dash cam. Unfortunately, the police refused to come to the scene because no one was injured, despite me waiting for five hours. When I later went to the precinct, they wouldn’t even review the footage I had.
I contacted my insurance company, State Farm, and explicitly requested that they not open a claim but simply check if the other driver was insured. The agent assured me that a claim would not be filed on my policy. After confirming that the driver was uninsured, I decided to cover the damages myself.
However, I’ve recently discovered that a claim was opened and subsequently closed on my account, which will now impact my premium. Is there any way I can dispute this? I have a recorded conversation with the agent stating that a claim would not be opened.
Thank you for your help!
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially since you specifically requested that a claim not be opened. Here are some steps you can consider taking to dispute the claim and address your situation:
Gather Evidence: Compile all relevant evidence, including the recorded conversation with the State Farm agent where they assured you that a claim wouldn’t be opened. If you have any other documentation, like emails or notes from phone calls, gather those as well.
Contact Customer Service: Reach out to State Farm’s customer service and explain your situation. Provide them with the details about the recorded assurance from the agent. Ask to speak to a supervisor if the initial representative is unable to assist you.
File a Formal Complaint: If you’re not satisfied with the response from customer service, consider filing a formal complaint with State Farm. Some insurance companies have complaint procedures that can escalate issues more effectively.
Contact Your State Insurance Department: If you feel your issue is not being resolved, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance regulatory agency. They can often assist in disputes between policyholders and their insurers.
Consider Legal Consultation: If the matter remains unresolved and it significantly affects your insurance premiums, you might want to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes. They can provide guidance on your specific situation and may help draft a more formal complaint to the insurer.
Monitor Your Premium: Keep an eye on your premium and policy status. If the claim affects your premium despite your efforts to dispute it, ensure you’re documenting every interaction with the insurance company for future reference.
Hopefully, you can resolve this issue without too much hassle! Good luck!