Three Months and Still Waiting
Three months ago, the snow removal contractor hit my parked car while it was in my designated spot. Although the damage wasn’t extensive, a sizable chunk of my rear bumper is missing. He came to my door to admit responsibility, which I have on my doorbell camera. He offered me cash and asked me to keep it from the condo board, but I refused and requested his insurance details, promptly informing the condo management company as well.
Now, three months later, my car remains damaged. I’ve followed up numerous times with both his insurance and my own, but all I hear is that they’re still processing the claim.
Is this typical? I’ve only had one prior claim, and it was resolved within a couple of weeks. Now, I’m driving around with a noticeable hole in the back of my car, and it’s becoming increasingly frustrating. Is there any way I can expedite this process, or am I just stuck in limbo? I’m in Alberta, Canada.
I’m sorry to hear about your frustrating situation. It definitely shouldn’t take this long for an insurance claim to be processed, especially since you have clear evidence of fault on the contractor’s part. While it’s not uncommon for claims to take some time, three months does seem excessive, especially when it’s a straightforward case of liability.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking to expedite the process:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your communications with both insurance companies, including dates, names, and what was discussed. This information could be valuable if you need to escalate the situation.
Contact an Insurance Adjuster: If you haven’t already, ask to speak directly with an adjuster from the contractor’s insurance company. Sometimes, going a step up can help speed things along.
Seek Guidance from Your Own Insurance: Since you mentioned having contacted your own insurance, consider asking them for assistance in mediating the situation. They may be able to put pressure on the other insurer to resolve the claim more quickly.
File a Complaint: If you continue to experience delays, consider filing a complaint with the insurance company and the Alberta Insurance Council. They may be able to provide guidance or help facilitate a quicker resolution.
Consult a Legal Professional: If the situation doesn’t improve, it could be worth consulting a lawyer, especially if you’re dealing with significant costs or if you feel the contractor’s insurance company is being unreasonable.
Reach Out to the Condo Board: Since this happened in a communal space, it may also be worth keeping the condo board updated on the matter. They might have seen similar claims and could assist in getting the contractor’s insurance to take your claim more seriously.
Hopefully, some of these suggestions can help you find a way forward and get your vehicle repaired soon. Hang in there!