My partner was in an accident with another driver. Initially, the other driver’s insurance, State Farm, said they would cover the damages and told us to send in the title since the vehicle was totaled. I complied and sent it in. However, we recently received an email stating they’ve changed their minds after “rereading the police statement.”
I understand they can alter their decision, which is frustrating, but this whole experience with State Farm has been a real hassle. At first, they told us the title was in Wisconsin based on their records and advised us to request a new one from our state.
We followed their guidance, but the Wisconsin web form informed us that the title couldn’t be retrieved using the VIN and instructed us to contact the DOT via the provided email.
We reached out to the DOT, and two days later, they replied stating that they couldn’t assist because the title was never transferred to Wisconsin—it was still registered in Minnesota.
I informed the insurance agent about this, and they conducted further investigation, concluding they were mistakenly looking at the wrong information. Minnesota requires title requests to be submitted by mail or in person, so I mailed the necessary paperwork. Ten days later, the title arrived, and I promptly sent it to State Farm via UPS Air Saver, following their instructions to sign it.
Then, last night, my partner received an email from State Farm stating:
“Upon further review of the claim, we have changed our liability position. The police report indicates that your vehicle did not follow the designated lane of travel. We will be denying liability. Please contact your insurance company for damages handling.”
So, they now have the signed title in hand and have had the police report for two months. What are my options here? I’ve reviewed the report, and I believe they’ve misinterpreted the facts, which I can contest since I have video evidence. Regardless, I would like to know what steps I can take, as this ongoing back and forth is becoming costly, especially with rental expenses.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
I’m sorry to hear about the frustrating situation you’re facing with your partner’s accident claim. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially with the delays and conflicting information from the insurance company. Here are some options you might consider:
Contact Your Insurance Company: Since State Farm is saying they’re denying liability, reach out to your own insurance company immediately. They may be able to assist with the damages and handle the situation with State Farm on your behalf.
Provide Evidence: If you have video evidence that shows your partner did follow the designated lane of travel, gather that and prepare to present it. This evidence can be crucial in contesting their liability decision.
Request a Re-Evaluation: Write to State Farm asking them to reconsider their decision using the video evidence. Be sure to clearly outline why you believe their interpretation of the police report is incorrect.
File a Complaint with the State Insurance Commissioner: If you feel that State Farm is acting in bad faith or not following proper procedures, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance regulatory agency. They may be able to intervene or provide guidance.
Consult an Attorney: If the situation continues to be unresolved and you’re facing significant out-of-pocket expenses (like rental car costs), it could be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in auto insurance claims or personal injury. They can provide more specific advice and represent you if it comes to that.
Negotiate with State Farm: If you haven’t done so already, try contacting a supervisor at State Farm to escalate the issue. Sometimes speaking to someone higher up can help resolve matters more quickly.
Keep Documentation: Ensure you keep copies of all correspondence with State Farm, rental car receipts, and any evidence related to the claim. This documentation may be helpful in the event you need to dispute their decision formally.
Explore Alternate Transportation: While dealing with the rental costs, check if your insurance covers anything while your claim is disputed or whether you can find more affordable transportation options in the meantime.
Stay persistent in your communications, and hopefully, you can reach a resolution soon. Good luck!