UPDATE: My partner was involved in an accident with another driver. Initially, the other driver’s insurance company said they would cover the damages and instructed us to send in the title since the vehicle is totaled. I sent it in, but I just received an email stating they’ve changed their mind about coverage after “rereading the police report.”
Now, they’ve issued a “stop-pay” on the funds that were designated for us. They still have the title, and the towing company has the vehicle. I’m at a bit of a loss about what to do next. They had already approved everything and then just decided to reverse their decision.
I understand they can change their mind, which is frustrating, but dealing with State Farm has been a real headache. At first, they told us the title was in Wisconsin based on their records, and we needed to request a new title from our state.
We followed their instructions, but the Wisconsin web form indicated that it couldn’t retrieve the title using the VIN. So, we contacted the DOT, and they got back to us two days later, saying they couldn’t issue a new title because it hadn’t been moved to Wisconsin—it was still registered in Minnesota.
I informed the insurance agent, who did some digging and acknowledged they were looking at incorrect information. Minnesota requires that the title be sent via mail or delivered in person, so I mailed it to them. Ten days later, it arrived, and I sent it off to State Farm (using UPS Air Saver) as instructed.
Then, last night, we received an email from them 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 damage handling.”
So, they have the signed title and have had the police report for the last two months. What are my options here? I’ve seen the report and believe they’ve misinterpreted it—I’ve even got video evidence. However, I’d like to know what other options are available since they already have the signed title and this has turned into a two-month back-and-forth (and paying for a rental isn’t cheap!).
Thanks in advance for any advice!
I’m really sorry to hear about the frustrating situation you’re dealing with. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially since you’ve already navigated so much to get to this point. Here are some steps you can consider taking to address the situation with State Farm:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the insurance company, including dates, times, names of representatives, and the content of conversations or emails. This documentation will be helpful if you need to escalate the matter.
Request a Written Explanation: Ask State Farm for a formal, written explanation of their decision to deny liability, including specifics from the police report that led to their change of position. This can provide you with clearer grounds to contest their claim.
File a Claim with Your Insurance: If you haven’t already, contact your own insurance company to file a claim. Explain the situation and provide them with all relevant details, including the communication from State Farm. They may be able to assist you in recouping your losses while you sort out the situation with the other driver’s insurance.
Consider an Appeal: If you believe that State Farm’s interpretation of the police report is incorrect, you can formally contest their decision. Prepare evidence to support your case, like the video you mentioned. Submit this to State Farm along with your appeal.
Consult Legal Advice: Given the complexity of the situation and the amount of time already spent, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in insurance or personal injury may be a good avenue to explore. They can provide guidance on how to best proceed and represent your interests.
Contact State Insurance Commissioner: If you feel that State Farm is acting in bad faith or if they continue to be unresponsive, you might consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They can investigate insurance companies’ practices and may be able to help facilitate a resolution.
Consider Small Claims Court: If you do not have a satisfactory resolution and the costs incurred are significant, you might explore the option of taking the matter to small claims court, especially if you have strong documentation and evidence.
Stay Persistent: Lastly, persistence can often lead to resolution. Keep following up with State Farm and your own insurance company regularly to ensure your case isn’t overlooked.
It’s a tough situation, but taking proactive steps and seeking support will help you navigate this. Good luck, and I hope you reach a resolution soon!