Backordered Car Parts Update
I had an unfortunate encounter with a deer on January 4th. Thankfully, my car can be repaired, and the insurance company has given their approval. However, I’m still waiting on parts, and it’s now the end of February. I have 30 days of rental coverage remaining.
Is there any way I can expedite the repair process? I’m grateful that my husband has a car, but it’s quite old, and managing without my own vehicle will become challenging when the rental coverage runs out. Is there a specific timeframe in Washington state that insurance providers must adhere to for getting a car repaired?
Additionally, can I change the insurance on my damaged vehicle to ‘in storage’? Since I haven’t been driving it for almost two months, this could at least help me save some money while I wait for the repairs.
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation with your car repairs. Unfortunately, back-ordered parts can cause significant delays. Here are a few suggestions to help put some pressure on getting your car fixed:
Contact the Repair Shop: Regularly check in with the repair shop to see if they have any updates on the parts. Sometimes, they can provide more specific timelines or suggest alternative parts that may be available sooner.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Company: Keep the lines of communication open with your insurance adjuster. Let them know about your concerns regarding the rental coverage. They might be able to assist in expediting the process or provide additional resources.
Document Everything: Keep records of all your communications with the repair shop and your insurance company. If you need to escalate the situation later, having documentation can be very helpful.
Explore Alternative Parts: Ask the repair shop if they can use aftermarket parts or refurbished parts that may be available sooner than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts.
Consult State Laws: In Washington State, there is no specific law that requires a repair shop to complete repairs within a certain timeframe. However, if delays become unreasonable, you might want to consider discussing your situation with a legal professional who specializes in consumer rights.
Regarding switching the insurance to “in storage,” you should definitely reach out to your insurance company. Many providers allow you to adjust coverage options based on your specific situation, and switching to a less expensive policy while your car is not in use could help with your finances.
I hope this helps, and that your car is back on the road soon!