State Farm Is (Almost) Refusing to Cover Repairs for My Hit-and-Run Accident—They’re Blaming Me for Not Having Full Coverage
In May 2024, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. Fortunately, I managed to snap a photo of the driver’s license plate. Based on her erratic behavior, I suspect she was intoxicated and may have even fallen asleep at the wheel. The police apprehended her at her home, but she denied being the driver. Both the police and the insurance companies informed me that I needed to provide proof that she was driving.
Since my insurance only covers liability, I haven’t received much assistance. I submitted dashcam footage (which, unfortunately, was taken at night and didn’t capture her face clearly) to both the police and State Farm (her insurance), but it was dismissed. They told me it was “her word against yours” and that I required more definitive evidence. I enlisted the help of a lawyer on a contingency basis, but he concentrated on bodily injuries rather than the damage to my vehicle.
My 2013 Ford Fusion, which has 278,000 miles on it, sustained significant cosmetic and mechanical damage. The fuel gauge stopped functioning immediately after the crash. Given that the fuel tank was replaced at 170,000 miles, I suspect this issue is directly linked to the accident, as I can no longer determine how much fuel I have left or how far I can drive.
A couple of weeks ago, my lawyer asked me to provide a repair estimate to State Farm. After contacting a Ford dealership, they directed me to a certified shop that provided a $3,500 estimate for the repairs. I submitted this estimate to State Farm, but they insisted that if I wanted to use my own shop, I needed to provide photos of the damage. They would then create their own estimate to facilitate negotiations for mechanical repairs.
State Farm’s body damage estimate came in $1,000 lower than the shop’s estimate ($1,500 vs. $2,500). The mechanical repair estimate from my shop was $800. Today, I submitted that estimate to State Farm and followed up with a call to confirm receipt.
When I raised concerns about the low-quality parts listed in their estimate—specifically, non-original Ford parts—the agent responded:
“That car? It’s from 2013 and has over 200k miles—trust me, we’re going to make it better than it was before the accident, even with non-CAPA/OEM parts.”
As we discussed the mechanical repairs, he added:
“We have to first establish that it’s related to the accident.”
I explained that my fuel gauge ceased working immediately after the hit-and-run and confirmed that the issue was indeed due to the impact, especially since the fuel tank was replaced only at 170,000 miles. I made it clear that I didn’t want them dismantling my car just to return with a lowball estimate or risk denying the repair entirely. Their estimators work for them, and I don’t trust them to be fair.
The agent dismissed my concerns and then said something along the lines of:
“The fact that you waited from May until now raises some red flags.”
I responded, “What do you mean? I reported this to State Farm immediately, sent videos, and you didn’t believe me. I had to hire a lawyer because of that. Any delay is on your end, not mine.”
Then, he had the audacity to say, “Well, it’s your fault for not having full coverage.” He repeated this multiple times, often interrupting me.
I also mentioned that I needed to replace the car seat involved in the accident and noted that my insurance premium had increased due to my involvement in the incident, despite being blameless. He brushed those concerns aside.
Eventually, the conversation escalated as we both began to raise our
I’m really sorry to hear about your ordeal; it sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful. Here are some insights regarding your situation:
Agent’s Comments on Your Coverage: While an insurance agent may express that not having full coverage affected your claim, it’s not appropriate for them to say it’s “your fault” for the situation. Your coverage, or lack thereof, shouldn’t impact the liability of the other driver who caused the accident. The focus should indeed be on the hit-and-run driver’s responsibility, not your policy choices. However, insurance agents often emphasize coverage limitations as a way to explain claim outcomes, though it can be frustrating and feel dismissive.
Legal Action Against State Farm: You may have a case if you choose to pursue legal action against State Farm. If they are unable to justify their claim handling and repair estimates and if you have suffered damages because of their actions (or lack thereof), you might argue bad faith practices, especially if they’ve denied coverage unfairly or dismissed your evidence.
You should consult with an attorney specializing in insurance claims to explore the specifics of your situation, including whether you could recover more than just the repair costs—potentially for damages related to mental anguish, the cost of the car seat, and any increases in insurance premiums. Such matters often depend on the specific laws in your state and the evidence you can present.
Given that the other driver has admitted fault in court, you should also ensure your legal approach leverages that information to strengthen your claim.
It’s encouraging that you took the necessary steps by gathering evidence and seeking legal advice. If you feel your current lawyer isn’t addressing your repair claims adequately, consider consulting another attorney who specializes more in auto insurance claims or who has experience with bad faith insurance practices.
Stay persistent. It’s essential to advocate for yourself in this difficult situation. Good luck, and I hope you get the resolution you deserve.